Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, known for its award-winning, hand-crafted sandwiches, is setting sights on the future while maintaining the basic principles that the company was founded on over 40 years ago. This philosophy is exemplified through long-time Capriotti’s franchisee and Wilmington native, Kim Schneese, who is set to open her second location in north Wilmington, Delaware, next year.

Schneese has been with the brand since the company’s start, growing up in the restaurants as her mother was best friends with the company’s founder, Lois Margolet. After working in the original Union Street Capriotti’s, her mother bought the Silverside location, the fourth Capriotti’s ever opened and eventually sold it to Schneese in 1997.

“I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience first-hand where the company began,” Schneese says. “This perspective has allowed me to stay true to our founding quality standards while also playing an important role in the evolution of the brand. It’s exciting to see the growth we have experienced and the innovation paving the way for Capriotti’s future.”

Capriotti’s currently has more than 100 fast-casual restaurant locations across the country, with a strong presence on the East Coast and West Coast. The company will open 15 new shops in 2017 and will grow the brand to 500 locations by 2025 through franchising.

“Kim has been an essential part of the Capriotti’s family for many years and her growth plans show her commitment to the future direction of the brand,” says David Bloom, Capriotti’s chief development officer. “We are constantly striving to improve the brand while holding on to our founding values that our customers know and love.”

In addition to its strategic growth strategy, Capriotti’s is taking strides towards innovation of the brand including bringing on a team of high level investors, implementing a store design refresh, as well as meeting customers’ needs with a ‘Capture 2’ menu and the ‘CAP Addicts’ rewards program.