Tampa Bay's 1st Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Opens In Odessa

ODESSA, FL — Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, known for its award-winning, handcrafted cheese steaks, turkey subs and more, has opened its first location in the Starkey Ranch development in Odessa at 12267 State Road 54.

Developing the award-winning sandwich brand in an untapped market was what inspired Capriotti's multi-franchisee partners, Scott Crawford and Stephen Poletta, who plan to open 14 more Capriottis's.

Their second location is already under construction at the Willow Bend Shopping Center in Lutz.

Veterans of the restaurant industry, Crawford and Poletta looked at more than 50 concepts before choosing Capriotti's for their latest franchise.

Crawford described the food as a “major game-changer.”

“When we went to actually try the food, I saw the big ovens and huge turkeys and thought, ‘This is the way turkey is supposed to be made,” he said.

Both men were also sold on the business model that was suited to a post-pandemic environment.

“The amazing thing about Capriotti’s is that their business model was already in a position to deal with restrictions and safety guidelines," Crawford said. "The company itself is very forward-thinking and adaptable, like with their several delivery and pick-up options.”

One of the reasons why Caprotti's continues to be a leader in the fast casual and sandwich category is because of its wide array of sandwiches including The Bobbie, made with fresh oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo; the Capastrami, made with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and homemade coleslaw; and the Cheese Steak, made with premium steak, chicken or Impossible plant-based meat and melted cheese plus hot or sweet peppers.

The Odessa Capriotti's offers a convenient order-ahead option, in addition to third-party delivery services.

"The quality of Capriotti's is something one would expect to have in their favorite home-cooked meal," said Crawford. "No matter the sandwich preference, Odessa and the entire Tampa Bay area can now experience a level of quality and comfort that has never been available in the area until now."

Founded in 1976, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop has won numerous accolades including the "10 Great Places for a Surprising Sandwich" by USA Today.

Capriotti's cold, grilled and vegetarian subs, cheese steaks and salads are available at more than 100 locations across the U.S.

Odessa Capriotti's fans can download the CAPAddicts Rewards app on iOS and Android to earn and redeem rewards and score free food. The restaurant also features online ordering.

Additionally, Capriotti's in Odessa offers catering for any event from corporate events to birthday parties with items such as party trays with cold subs, box lunches or a hot homemade meatball bar.

Capriotti's is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.