Lois Margolet, the founder of Capriotti’s, has died in Las Vegas.
The sandwich shop chain posted the following on its Facebook page.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our founder, Lois Margolet. Lois was a bright, giving, extraordinary woman and a pioneer in the sandwich and franchise industry. The brand she created is not just a sandwich shop; it is an institution in Delaware whose subs have touched countless people and support thousands of families across the country. While grieving, we will also celebrate her life and unique gift to the world.”
Lois and her brother Alan Margolet founded Capriotti’s on Union Street in Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Capriotti’s claim to fame was the Bobbie, or “Thanksgiving on a sub roll” that features fresh turkey, dressing, cranberries and a touch of mayo. To this day, Capriotti’s locations roast fresh turkeys for the next day’s Bobbies.
Other offerings include the Capastrami pastrami with Russian dressing, Cole Turkey, and Slaw Be Joe, coleslaw, Russian dressing and roast beef.
The chain gradually expanded with family members running shops, with franchisees later opening locations.
A turning point for Capriotti’s came with Lois’ many trips to Las Vegas.
Lois decided that the gambling capital would be a good spot for expansion. Las Vegas now has the largest number of Capriotti’s shops.
A fan of Capriotti’s was Vice President Joe Biden who stopped in when a location opened in Washington, D.C.
The company, which recently marked its 40th anniversary, was sold several years ago to franchisee Ashley Morris and has grown into a national chain with more than 100 stores from coast to coast.
