Something to Nibble Onn

This QSR sandwich franchise ended 2019 with massive expansion and menu innovation. On top of expanding into 28 markets and adding 24 franchise partners to its roster, the sandwich shop also added a wider variety of vegetarian-friendly and innovative menu items to their lineup, including the Impossible Cheesesteak.

From its humble beginning in Wilmington, DE Capriotti’s built a national sandwich craving.

This notable growth kick start plans to bring the brand’s fresh, fan-favorite subs across the nation in markets including New York; Chicago; El Paso, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida; and Portland, Oregon. This expansion is expected to fuel even further growth into the new year and beyond, pushing the brand to achieve its goal of opening 500 locations by 2025.

The fast-casual restaurant sector is a $47 billion category this sandwich shop is one of the leaders:

· Average unit volume of $738K in 2018 (well above category norms) with top 25% performing at $1.1M+

· It was also named No. 1 QSR brand for highest quality and taste by Sandelman & Associates

· Listed as Top 500 Food Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine

This husband and wife team really took a bite out of the category and have no plans in slowing down.

If you’re interested in a QSR/CDR brand, this may be one to “chew on” (couldn’t help it!).

Just remember, don’t stalk. Don’t hound. Don’t send a myriad of messages about yourself. So what do you do?

Build trust. Share category insights. Do some light consumer research. Offer purchase pattern eye-openers. Toss out some trends. Show your expertise and how it’s relevant. Just… don’t… sell!

Good luck and remember to prospect smAARt and pitch with passion!

Lisa Colantuono

Lisa Colantuono is the President of AAR Partners. An agency search consultant for nearly two decades, Lisa is also an avid writer. Lisa has contributed many articles in top industry trades such as Forbes, Huffington Post, Advertising Age, Adweek and HubSpot Blogs’ Agency Post. Recently, Lisa entered the world of publishing with her book, @AARLisa: New Biz in 140 characters (or Less), written for the on-the-go new business exec that needs cut-to-the-chase insights to nail new business wins again and again. Lisa is also part of the industry speaking circuit, presenting at national conferences including 4A’s Transformation Conference, AAF Admerica National Conference, BOLO, HOW Design Live, Mirren, and AdAge Small Agency Conference.