Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. What to Expect

Update: Capriotti will open in Rosslyn next according to ARLnow.

Update: Capriotti's first location will be open this November, at 18th and L St. NW

The news that Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is coming to the DMV was released June 7th. The Wilmington, Delaware headquartered Sandwich Shop chain plans 12 new locations in Washington DC, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia, adding to its 93 locations around the US. For Capriotti's, this will be their first venture into a big East Coast market. The franchise for the DMV will be headed by George D. Vincent Jr, who counts Washington DC as his hometown. Vincent will utilize local firm, Miller Walker Retail Real Estate to secure the 12 restaurant locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s said of the deal; “Capriotti’s has seen unprecedented growth in the past year, as we continue to expand into new territories such as this. This deal is an important milestone for the brand as we prepare to enter this rapidly growing market for the first time.”  

At writing no leases have been signed, so the first location, which will be in DC,  is unknown, although Konnect Public Relations, of Los Angeles, Capriotti's PR Agents, have told me that the DC location would be in the "downtown business district" and that "expectations were for an opening "before the end of the year"

 

The Original Capriotti's in the "Little Italy" section of Wilmington, Delaware. circa 1976

Of course there are quite a few sandwich shop business's in DC and surrounds, so why Capriotti's? and what can we expect? If you go by social media, quite a lot. The fans of Capriotti's are many, and loyal, and they include Vice President Joe Biden, who quickly will tell you its he's favorite sandwich shop.
Mr. Vincent will introduce DC to Capriotti’s 37 year tradition of roasting whole, all-natural turkey and premium roast beef in-house daily for its fresh handmade sandwiches. Capriotti's menu offers a range of sandwiches, featuring hand-pulled turkey and hand-pulled beef, but they have selections for all tastes, including; vegetarian, subs, kids size meals and salads. There are three sandwich sizes: small (9"), medium (12"), and large (20").

 "The Bobbie®", hand-pulled turkey, cranberry and stuffing is the 'signature' sandwich. Famous wherever Capriotti's locates

The restaurants themselves are airy and minimalist. Not really cookie-cutter in design, but you will feel comfortable and familiar if you have visited any other location. "All locations have the signature Capriotti's brick wall, and the menus are all the same, featuring favorites like the Bobbie® and SlawBeJoe® "

Capriotti's Signature Brick Wall, is in every location

I was planning to end this blog with some customer quotes, but, well after wading through blogs and tweets I decided that I would sound like a Capriotti's PR person. Most quotes are about "how good my (favorite) sandwich is, the ingredients of my (favorite) sandwich are and so on. Best bet, when Capriotti's hits town try it out. For me I'll stick with my favorite "The Capastrami®" Hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian Dressing, and Cole slaw.

Sources: Konnect Public Relations