Harrisburg Native Brings Capriotti's Sandwich Legacy Home

HARRISBURG, PA – February 25, 2026 – A decade-long love affair with a sandwich is culminating in a homecoming for both a brand and a local entrepreneur. On Tuesday, March 3, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, a chain celebrated for its handcrafted subs and 50-year history, will open its doors at 2607 Brindle Dr. The opening marks not just a new dining option for the capital city, but the realization of a long-held dream for Harrisburg native Corey Wolff, who is bringing the award-winning franchise to the community he calls home.

For Wolff, this venture is more than a business opening; it's a personal mission rooted in a chance encounter more than ten years ago. Now, after years of planning and a meticulous search for the perfect location, he is ready to introduce his neighbors to the sandwiches that once captivated him.

A Local's Journey to Franchise Ownership

Corey Wolff's story is one of local roots and entrepreneurial spirit. A Pennsylvania native with over 25 years in business, he returned to the Harrisburg area nearly three decades ago, where he and his wife have since raised their two daughters and become deeply embedded in the community. His connection to Capriotti's, however, began far from home during a beach trip.

Asked by friends to pick up sandwiches from a shop he'd never heard of, Wolff's first bite of the Capastrami—a towering creation of hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and coleslaw—was a revelation. That initial taste sparked a long-standing appreciation. Over the following years, Wolff became a brand evangelist, seeking out Capriotti's locations during his travels and bringing its signature subs back to his family in Harrisburg. This personal passion eventually evolved into a professional ambition.

Five years ago, he formally connected with the corporate team to explore franchise opportunities. The journey was deliberate. Wolff spent over a year scouting locations, determined to find a spot that would not only succeed but also serve as a true community hub. He found it at 2607 Brindle Dr., a strategic location in a shopping center near Interstate 81, nestled among several residential communities, making it accessible for lunch, dinner, and catering.

"We want this shop to feel like a family," said Wolff. "Having deep roots in this community, opening this location is especially meaningful to me. It truly takes a village to build a great business, and we're committed to creating a welcoming space where our neighbors can gather, connect, and feel at home."

This Harrisburg shop is the first of what Wolff hopes will be a multi-unit enterprise, with plans already underway for a second location in the nearby Hershey area.

The Art of the Sandwich: A 50-Year Tradition

Capriotti's entry into the Harrisburg market brings with it a culinary tradition that has set it apart in the crowded fast-casual landscape since its founding in 1976. The brand's core distinction lies in its daily ritual: slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house. This 50-year-old practice ensures a fresh, high-quality protein base that is hand-pulled for its sandwiches, a stark contrast to the pre-sliced deli meats common elsewhere.

This commitment to quality is most famously showcased in The Bobbie, a sandwich so iconic it was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" by AOL readers. It encapsulates the flavors of a Thanksgiving dinner on a roll, combining the house-roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a touch of mayo. It’s this kind of unique, craveable item that has built a loyal national following.

Beyond its turkey-centric star, the menu offers a wide array of options. The Capastrami, the sandwich that first won over franchisee Corey Wolff, remains a fan favorite. The shop's cheesesteaks also present a formidable offering, available with premium steak, chicken, or even plant-based Impossible™ meat. For a more luxurious experience, customers can opt for prime-grade American Wagyu from Snake River Farms, all served with melted cheese, mushrooms, grilled onions, and a choice of hot or sweet peppers.

A Key Piece in a National Growth Strategy

The Harrisburg opening is more than an isolated local event; it is a calculated move in Capriotti's aggressive national expansion plan. With over 175 locations currently operating across the United States, the company has set an ambitious goal to grow its footprint to over 750 shops by 2032. This rapid growth strategy relies heavily on its franchise model, which empowers local entrepreneurs like Wolff to build the brand's presence community by community.

Capriotti's has consistently earned accolades within the food service industry, landing on Fast Casual's Top Movers & Shakers List for five consecutive years (2020-2024). This industry recognition underscores the brand's strong performance and its appeal to both consumers and potential franchisees. By focusing on quality ingredients and unique menu items, the company has carved out a defensible niche in the highly competitive fast-casual sandwich sector, which is populated by giants like Subway, Jersey Mike's, and Panera Bread.

By partnering with franchisees who have deep local knowledge and a personal connection to the brand, Capriotti's aims to achieve authentic market penetration that feels less corporate and more community-driven. Wolff's story in Harrisburg is a textbook example of this strategy in action.

To meet the demands of modern diners, the new Harrisburg location will be fully equipped with convenient ordering options, including order-ahead, online services, and delivery through third-party apps. The shop will also offer a robust catering program, with options ranging from cold sub trays to hot meatball bars, targeting corporate meetings, family gatherings, and local events. Customers can also engage with the brand through its CAPAddicts Rewards app, which offers points and free food for loyal patrons. As the doors prepare to open, the new shop represents a confluence of local passion and a proven national concept, ready to make its mark on the capital city's dining scene.