What happens when a military veteran and seasoned restaurant operators join forces? For Jamie and Donna Jacobsen and Larry Graham, the answer is a new chapter in business ownership and an exciting opportunity to grow with Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop.
In November 2026, the longtime business partners opened their first Capriotti’s in Springfield, the first of five shops they plan to open in the market. They’re not new to this. Between them, they bring decades of restaurant experience, military leadership, and a shared belief that great food and great service go hand in hand. With a successful multi-unit restaurant portfolio already under their belts, the partners are leveraging their experience and Capriotti’s comprehensive franchise support to build their next venture.
A Partnership Built on Experience, Leadership and Service
For Jamie Jacobsen, the restaurant business has been a lifelong career. He got his start washing dishes at age 14 and worked his way through the industry, serving as an executive chef, general manager, and eventually a multi-unit franchise operator.
After 16 years on the culinary side of the business, Jamie ventured into franchising in 1995, beginning a relationship with Fazoli’s that has spanned more than three decades. His experience also includes serving as president of the Fazoli’s Franchise Association board, which has given him valuable insight into the importance of strong relationships between franchisors and franchisees.
His wife and business partner, Donna, brings complementary expertise in accounting, bookkeeping, human resources, and restaurant administration. For more than 30 years, she has served as a certified bookkeeper and office manager for their Fazoli’s franchise group, helping oversee the financial and administrative operations of their growing business.
Rounding out the partnership is Larry Graham, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose military background laid the foundation for a successful business career. Following his service, Larry transitioned into engineering, working as a plant engineer for Procter & Gamble before pursuing restaurant ownership.
Together, the three partners operate multiple Fazoli’s restaurants in Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, through Fazwest Group, Inc. Their combined strengths in leadership, operations, financial management, and team development have helped them establish a successful restaurant portfolio and positioned them for their next phase of growth.
Why These Experienced Operators Chose Capriotti’s
With decades of restaurant experience, the partners knew what they wanted in their next franchise investment: an exceptional product, a proven business model, and a franchisor that values its franchise partners.
Jamie first learned about Capriotti’s through a fellow franchisee, Mike Solomon. After visiting a Capriotti’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he quickly recognized the opportunity.
“That first visit to the Fayetteville location impressed me, and I just knew it was right,” said Jamie.
Beyond Capriotti’s commitment to quality ingredients and handcrafted sandwiches, the partners were drawn to the brand’s collaborative approach to franchise development.
Throughout the site selection and construction process, Capriotti’s corporate team worked closely with the partners to navigate Springfield’s competitive real estate market and bring their first shop to life.
“It was a perfect match. We felt very comfortable every step of the way,” Jamie shared.
That confidence, paired with their extensive operating experience, has given the team a strong foundation as they work toward opening four additional Capriotti’s shops in the market.
A Business Model That Puts Franchisees First
Capriotti’s understands that successful franchise partnerships begin with the right support.
CEO Ashley Morris and President Jason Smylie both started as Capriotti’s franchisees. Having experienced restaurant ownership firsthand, they helped build the franchise systems and resources they wished they had when they were starting out.
Today, that franchisee-first approach guides how partners are supported, whether they are first-time business owners, experienced multi-unit operators, or military veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship.
The Capriotti’s philosophy is simple: You bring the leadership. We’ll teach you the restaurant.
From site selection and construction to comprehensive training, marketing, and ongoing operational guidance, Capriotti’s provides the resources and hands-on support designed to help franchisees confidently launch, operate, and grow their businesses.
For experienced operators like Jamie, Donna, and Larry, that means having a collaborative partner as they expand their restaurant portfolio and introduce Capriotti’s to new communities.
Supporting Veterans on Their Path to Business Ownership
Military veterans bring valuable qualities to franchising, including discipline, adaptability, leadership, and a commitment to teamwork. These skills translate naturally into restaurant operations, where strong systems, consistent execution, and people-first leadership are essential.
Larry’s journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to corporate engineering and multi-unit restaurant ownership is one example of how veterans can apply their experience to build successful careers beyond military service.
Capriotti’s proudly supports those who have served our country as they pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
As an official partner of VetFran, a program of the International Franchise Association Foundation that connects military veterans with franchise ownership opportunities, Capriotti’s offers qualified veterans a 15% discount on the initial franchise fee.
This incentive helps reduce the upfront cost of ownership, creating another opportunity for veterans to take the next step toward building their own business.
Combined with comprehensive franchise support and established operating systems, the incentive reflects the brand’s commitment to helping veterans translate their leadership experience into long-term business opportunities.
Building the Next Chapter with Capriotti’s
For Jamie, Donna, and Larry, opening their first Capriotti’s represents more than adding another restaurant to their portfolio. It’s an opportunity to build on decades of experience, introduce a beloved sandwich brand to Springfield, and create a foundation for continued growth.
With five shops planned, the partners are just getting started.
Their journey reflects what makes Capriotti’s franchise system special: experienced entrepreneurs, military veterans, and first-time owners alike can bring their unique strengths to the table, supported by a brand committed to helping them achieve their business goals.
Ready to explore your own franchise journey? Contact us today to take the first step.
FAQs
Why is Capriotti’s a good franchise choice for veterans?
Capriotti’s appreciates the distinctive skills and values of those who served in the armed forces. Their commitment to teamwork, processes, and operational excellence all match our brand. We are honored to welcome veterans to our family and assist them as they transition from military service to franchise ownership. We offer veterans the support and resources to help them grow their business, along with an exclusive discount on the initial franchise fee.
We also proudly have a number of veterans in our franchising system. Many expressed that our hands-on support and shared values- Passion, Family, Integrity, Profitability, and Genuineness- are some of the top reasons they chose Capriotti’s as a franchise option.
Read more: From Navy to Neighborhood Staple
Does Capriotti’s offer any discounts on franchise fees for veterans?
Yes, Capriott’s offers veterans an exclusive discount for franchising. The company is a proud partner of VetFran, a program of the International Franchise Association Foundation that connects military veterans with franchise ownership opportunities. Qualified veterans may receive a 15% discount on the initial franchise fee, making business ownership more accessible for service members exploring their next chapter.
Read more: Capriotti’s Commitment To Veterans
What kind of person does well as a franchise owner?
Background matters less than most people think. The owners who do well tend to share a few traits: they believe in the brand’s values, they’re willing to follow a system that works instead of reinventing it, they’re present in the business, they listen, they keep learning, and they want to do better than average.
Capriotti’s owners have come from corporate leadership, hospitality, the military, their own businesses and other franchises, and some started as fans of the food. Different starting points, same traits. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear your story.
Read more: Our Franchise Owners · Get Started
