Is Capriotti's Sandwich Shop right for you?
Proven Scale
153 total units across 28 states with 138 franchised locations at year-end 2024.
System-Wide Sales
Average unit volume of $835,358 and median of $803,670 for 133 traditional restaurants open all of 2024.
Defined Support
Initial training of up to 160 hours in Las Vegas plus on-site opening assistance and ongoing operational, marketing, and advisory support.
About Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is a submarine sandwich concept founded in 1976 and acquired by its current ownership in 2008. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the brand operates a system of 153 locations across 28 states as of year-end 2024, with 138 franchised and 15 company-owned. The concept focuses on high-quality submarine sandwiches, proprietary recipes, and a casual quick-service format positioned for competitive pricing and broad consumer appeal.
Capriotti's delivers submarine sandwiches built on secret-family recipes, fresh ingredients, and signature items such as the Bobbie and the Sloppy Joe. Restaurants operate in a quick-service or fast-casual environment with emphasis on made-to-order preparation, consistent execution, and operational systems that support inventory control, labor management, and uniform standards. The model benefits from the ongoing shift toward restaurant-prepared food while maintaining a focused menu that drives repeat visits and operational simplicity.
The business model
How a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
A $40,000 initial franchise fee is payable upon signing the Franchise Agreement. A separate $10,000 Development Services Fee is also required at signing.
Ongoing Fees
Royalty fees range from 6 percent to 7 percent of gross sales. National marketing and cooperative advertising currently total 4 percent of gross sales. A technology fee of 0.65 percent may be implemented on 30 days notice.
Investment Range
Total initial investment for a traditional restaurant ranges from $594,700 to $935,000. This includes leasehold improvements, equipment, signage, inventory, training, opening expenses, and three months of working capital. Virtual kitchen and non-traditional formats require substantially lower investment.
Supply Chain Structure
Franchisees must purchase nearly 100 percent of goods, services, equipment, and supplies from approved suppliers. The franchisor retains all supplier rebates and may become a direct supplier.
Territory Rights
Single-unit operators receive no exclusive territory. Multi-unit developers under a Development Rights Agreement receive defined territorial exclusivity for traditional restaurants during the term, subject to a required development schedule.
Financial Performance Representation
the financial-performance disclosure discloses 2024 average and median gross sales, high and low results, and percentile data for 133 traditional restaurants open all year, plus select affiliate-owned EBITDA information.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$40,000
Total investment range
$594,700 to $935,000
Royalty
6.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
2.00% of gross revenue
Founded
2007
Headquarters
Las Vegas, NV
Active US franchisees
60
Total US units
115
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training program for the managing owner and at least one additional person, up to four weeks in Las Vegas.
- +Up to 12 days of on-site supervision and assistance at opening.
- +Total initial training of approximately 160 hours combining classroom and on-the-job instruction.
- +Ongoing advisory assistance in operations, advertising, and promotion.
- +Refresher training programs available at franchisee expense.
- +Access to written materials, inspections, evaluations, and guidance on pricing and management.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
The franchisor may reduce or replace in-person training with virtual, e-learning, or distance-learning formats. No specific training is provided on real estate acquisition, site selection beyond the Development Services Fee scope, or construction management beyond plan review assistance.
Multi-unit growth path
Multi-unit ownership is executed through a Development Rights Agreement requiring a minimum of three units. Developers receive a defined territory with exclusivity for traditional restaurants during the agreement term, provided they meet the scheduled opening deadlines. The total investment for the minimum three-unit commitment ranges from $604,700 to $945,000. Single-unit operators have no territorial protection and may face competition from non-traditional venues or other channels developed by the franchisor.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA 7(a) Loan
Many Capriotti's franchisees utilize SBA-backed financing for a significant portion of the initial investment. Lenders typically require strong personal credit, liquid capital, and net worth meeting program thresholds.
Equipment & Lease Financing
Specialized lenders finance equipment packages, POS systems, and furniture. Landlord tenant improvement allowances can further reduce out-of-pocket capital.
Traditional Bank or Credit Union
Local or regional banks may provide conventional commercial loans for qualified buyers with substantial collateral, experience, and personal guarantees.
Retirement Plan Rollover (ROBS)
Qualified buyers may use a ROBS transaction to access 401(k) or IRA funds without early-withdrawal penalties or taxes to capitalize the business.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Discovery & Qualification
Review the filed disclosures, speak with franchisor leadership, and validate concept fit. Complete application and receive approval to proceed.
Franchise Agreement Execution
Sign Franchise Agreement and pay $40,000 initial fee plus $10,000 Development Services Fee. Begin site selection process.
Site Selection & Lease
Identify and secure approved location with franchisor assistance. Complete architectural plans, permitting, and lease execution.
Build-Out & Vendor Coordination
Oversee construction, equipment procurement, signage, and interior fit-out. Source initial inventory and hire staff.
Training & Pre-Opening
Attend four-week training in Las Vegas. Complete mock operations and final inspections. Execute New Shop Opening marketing plan.
Grand Opening & Launch
Open restaurant with on-site franchisor support for up to 12 days. Transition to ongoing operational and marketing support.
Ongoing Operations
Receive regular advisory visits, performance reviews, cooperative advertising administration, and access to refresher training.
Match assessment
Are you a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop franchise cost?
Total initial investment ranges from $594,700 to $935,000 for a traditional restaurant according to the investment disclosure of the the filed disclosures. This includes a $40,000 franchise fee, $10,000 development services fee, build-out, equipment, inventory, training, and three months of working capital.
What is the average sales volume for a Capriotti's restaurant?
For 133 traditional restaurants open all of 2024, average unit volume was $835,358 and median was $803,670. Results ranged from a high of $1,728,693 to a low of $410,584. Individual performance varies and is not guaranteed.
Does Capriotti's provide an earnings claim or financial performance representation?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure discloses 2024 gross sales averages, medians, high and low results, and percentile data for traditional restaurants open all year plus select affiliate-owned EBITDA information. 43 percent of units met or exceeded the disclosed average.
What are the royalty and marketing fees for Capriotti's?
Royalty is 6 percent to 7 percent of gross sales. National marketing and cooperative advertising currently total 4 percent of gross sales. A technology fee of up to 0.65 percent may be implemented.
How long does it take to open a Capriotti's franchise?
The typical timeline from signing to opening is six to nine months, depending on site availability, permitting, and construction. The process includes four weeks of training in Las Vegas and 12 days of on-site opening support.
Does Capriotti's offer territory exclusivity?
Single-unit franchisees receive no exclusive territory. Multi-unit developers under a Development Rights Agreement receive defined territorial exclusivity for traditional restaurants while meeting the development schedule.
What training and support does Capriotti's provide?
Franchisees receive up to four weeks of initial training in Las Vegas (approximately 160 hours total) plus 12 days of on-site opening assistance. Ongoing support includes operations advisory, marketing materials, inspections, and refresher training.
How many Capriotti's locations are there?
As of year-end 2024 there were 153 total locations: 138 franchised and 15 company-owned, operating in 28 states.
Can I open multiple Capriotti's locations?
Yes, through a Development Rights Agreement requiring a minimum of three units and adherence to a development schedule. Total investment for the minimum commitment ranges from $604,700 to $945,000.
What is the difference between traditional and non-traditional Capriotti's venues?
Traditional restaurants require the full investment range of $594,700 to $935,000. Virtual kitchens and non-traditional venues have substantially lower costs and reduced opening plan fees.
How does Capriotti's compare to other sandwich franchises?
Capriotti's differentiates through proprietary submarine sandwich recipes, a focused menu, and strong average unit volumes relative to many competitors. Franchisees should compare royalty rates, marketing contributions, and territorial rights across concepts.
Are supplier rebates passed to franchisees?
No. The franchisor and its affiliates retain all supplier rebates, volume discounts, and promotional allowances. In 2024 these totaled approximately $1,165,000.
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