On the heels of an impressive Q1, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone announced the signing of 18 franchise agreements in the second quarter which will bring an additional 62 stores to states across the country. These signings will add 37 Capriotti’s and 25 Wing Zone locations to the development pipeline – bringing the total number of stores in development for both brands to more than 430. Between the two fast-casual concepts, there will be 90 new locations open and operating by the end of the year.
The Q2 agreements will expand both brands into new territories – bringing award-winning food to new areas across the country. In the second quarter, Capriotti’s will develop its brand in:
- St. Louis, MO
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco Bay Area
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Philadelphia
- Idaho Falls
- Inland Empire
- Columbia/Florence, S.C.
Second quarter signings for Wing Zone include:
- New Brunswick, N.J.
- Philadelphia
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Sacramento, CA
- Reno, NV
- Las Vegas
- Houston
- New Orleans, LA
- Columbia/Florence, S.C.
- Milwaukee, WI
“We are thrilled with the momentum Capriotti’s and Wing Zone have seen so far in 2022,” says David Bloom, Chief Development and Operating Officer for Capriotti’s and Wing Zone. “To sign over 100 units between the two brands just halfway through the year is an incredible accomplishment, and we look forward to expanding our national footprint and serving communities as the premiere sandwich and wing brands in these new markets.”
Existing locations have maintained strong sales as the brand continues to attract investors in markets across the country.
Capriotti’s AUV remains impressive with the top 25 percent averaging over $1.3 million, with contributions from newly-opened stores in 2022 producing a sales average of 50 percent higher than the brand’s AUV of $994,847.
This month, the award-winning wing franchise launched the first Wing Zone 2.0 location in Las Vegas, positioning the brand for future growth by creating a unique experience for wing fanatics with its innovative, customer-facing technology to provide a fresh take on the dining experience. In the realm of innovation, Wing Zone is also opening the first robotic outfitted ghost kitchen this August in Pasadena, California, an attractive options for potential franchisees with its low-operating costs and high sale expectancy. The brand’s AUV of $1,017,337 continues to attract potential franchisees- the proof being the development pipeline surpassing 130 stores since 2021. In addition, the brand will open its first robotic outfitted ghost kitchen in Pasadena, California on August 15.
“With both brands having grown immensely into new markets and states the past few years, it’s incredible to be recognized for more than just our recent development. Challenging our brands and franchisees to be innovative and efficient, all while producing the high-quality menu items that our customers expect is what continues to land us a spot on these prestigious lists year after year,” adds Bloom. “And that’s why Capriotti’s and Wing Zone attracts some of the best entrepreneurs in the country.”
Founded in 1976, Capriotti’s is most famous for its 40-year nightly tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house and hand-shredding them each morning to feature in a variety of subs. This includes The Bobbie, the shop’s acclaimed best-seller, made with homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo on a soft roll. Founded in 1993, Wing Zone is an international fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its cooked-to-order, flavor-fused chicken wings, and tenders.
Both brands are backed by a corporate leadership team that offers a continuous support program for franchise partners through online and field programs, which provides significant support for marketing, retail sales, operations, and growth strategies through every stage of their ownership.
