As Capriotti’s celebrates 50 years, its award-winning cheesesteaks continue to define both its history and its future. For many, including Capriotti’s CEO Ashley Morris, that connection starts with a single memorable bite that leaves a lasting impression.
How a Cheesesteak Sparked a Franchise Empire
Long before leading Capriotti’s as CEO, Ashley Morris was just a college student hearing about a sandwich he had to try. That first experience would shape the trajectory of his entire career.
“Capriotti’s Cheesesteaks literally changed my life. One bite of the Cheesesteak 25 years ago was all it took,” Ashley said. “It was then, and still is, the best-tasting sub I have ever eaten! I’m proud to lead this incredible brand as we celebrate 50 years of serving extraordinary sandwiches.”
That bite sparked a belief in the product, the brand, and its potential. Ashley and his longtime best friend Jason Smylie became Capriotti’s franchisees, opening three locations in just two years. As they saw the strength of the concept firsthand, they eventually acquired the entire company and tripled its size.
For many franchise partners, their journey with Capriotti’s starts the same way: a genuine connection to the food and a clear understanding of what sets it apart.
Built on a Standard of Quality
Capriotti’s East Coast roots helped shape its approach to one of the most iconic sandwiches in the category. In a region where cheesesteaks are held to a high standard, quality is not optional; it is expected.
That standard starts with the fundamentals. From ingredient sourcing to preparation, every step is designed to meet the expectations of customers who know what a great cheesesteak should be. As Ashley explains, “Our steak has one ingredient: just steak. There are no fillers, there are no additives.”
When Ashley talks about Capriotti’s cheesesteak, it comes from real passion and familiarity with the product as a regular and as the CEO. That level of connection is what gives franchise partners confidence in the product’s quality, consistency, and performance at the unit level.
What Makes a “Category-Defining Bite”?
Capriotti’s cheesesteaks have won multiple “Best Cheesesteak” awards, with the Classic Cheesesteak even securing a place in the Cheesesteak Hall of Fame.
Each cheesesteak is crafted to order using premium ingredients and now features 25% more meat, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering both value and flavor. From the Classic Cheesesteak to premium offerings like Snake River Farms American Wagyu, along with Chicken, Chipotle, BLT, and Impossible variations, the menu offers both familiarity and variety.
In a crowded sandwich category, a strong core product paired with menu flexibility allows franchise partners to drive consistent demand by meeting a wide range of customer preferences while maintaining a clear brand identity.
Simply the Best Since 1976
Capriotti’s cheesesteak remains a defining thread from 1976 to today, representing the same commitment to quality ingredients, made-to-order preparation, and consistent execution that built the brand in the first place.
Today, Capriotti’s continues to build on that foundation with a growing development pipeline and a clear focus on strategic expansion. The same product that created loyal fans decades ago continues to drive growth across new markets.
Connect with our team to learn more about available opportunities and how to get started today!
FAQs About the Capriotti’s Franchise Opportunity
Q: How does Capriotti’s drive repeat business? Capriotti’s leverages a strong loyalty program, limited-time offers, and a menu built around craveable, high-quality products that encourage customers to return frequently.
Q: Is Capriotti’s expanding into new markets? Yes. Capriotti’s continues to grow nationwide, with a focus on strategic expansion in high-demand markets and building strong regional presence.
Q: Where did Capriotti’s begin? In 1976, what would become one of the nation’s favorite sandwich shops was born as a family business brought to life by brother and sister Alan and Lois Margolet. Named after their food-loving grandfather, Philip Capriotti, the first Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop was opened in Wilmington, Delaware.
