Latest news with #Capriotti
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-sub shop workers accused of stealing $50,000 for unlicensed food truck, police report says
When Claudia and Marco Roca opened Capriotti's Sandwich Shop last summer in Plantation, they hyped its arrival with a marketing blitz. They introduced a 24-karat, gold-flake turkey sub. They even invited a celebrity, Edward 'Big Ed' Brown from '90 Day Fiancé,' to make them, drawing in legions of fans to the shop. Now their Plantation franchise is 'hanging on by a thread' — while their original Capriotti's in North Miami Beach has been forced to close — following the alleged theft of $52,800 in goods from both restaurants, Claudia Roca told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. 'It has been devastating,' she said. 'We put everything into these restaurants, and now we could lose them both.' Roca accused a former Capriotti's manager, Shamika Johnson, and husband Johnny Georges Dorvil of conspiring to pull off an 'organized theft' of 'meats, breads, packaging and proprietary ingredients' over a six-month period between October 2024 and March 2025, according to an April 24 Plantation police report. Johnson and Dorvil, both Davie residents, allegedly used the stolen goods to cook and sell Philly cheesesteak subs out of an unlicensed food truck called Deb's Philly Cheesesteaks, which has multiple active accounts on social media, Plantation police records say. The Broward Sheriff's Office arrested Johnson, 46, and Dorvil, 46, on grand theft charges on May 16, Plantation police spokesman Chavez Grant confirmed in an email. Johnson was released after posting a $4,000 bail on May 18, while Dorvil remains in custody, according to county court records. Neither Johnson nor the Broward County Public Defender's Office, which represents Johnson and Dorvil, could be reached for comment despite multiple calls and text messages. The couple have not yet entered a plea, and no arraignment has been set as of the publication of this article, according to the Broward County Clerk of Court's office. Roca told police she hired Johnson as a general manager in October to work at her Capriotti's franchise locations in Plantation and North Miami Beach. Johnson then hired Dorvil without revealing to the Rocas that it was her husband, according to the April 24 Plantation police report. '[Johnson] told me she worked with someone really good all her life, wanted to bring this person in and she sent me his resume,' Roca told the Sun Sentinel. 'I reviewed the paperwork and put him on the payroll.' The report alleges that Johnson and Dorvil evaded detection for six months as they smuggled bread loaves, meats and cheeses out of the Plantation Capriotti's walk-in cooler and placed them into a gray SUV parked behind the building. One of those incidents was captured in a Feb. 15 surveillance video, according to footage turned over to Plantation police by Roca. In a March 6 video, a person identified in the police report as Dorvil is seen removing a small box of cheese from the cooler and nesting it inside a larger brown box before disappearing out of camera frame. Seconds later, the same person is shown holding the larger brown box outside on a separate surveillance camera. Roca told police that it was 'company policy to report the transportation of restaurant supplies from one location to another,' which Johnson and Dorvil never did. According to the report, Johnson used her 'access as a store manager to grant unauthorized compensatory meals and discounts to cover the discrepancies of the stolen merchandise.' Between October 2024 and February 2025, losses from the Plantation location alone totaled nearly $31,000, according to county arrest records. Roca told Plantation police that the total amount stolen adds up to $52,800 in 'improper [compensatory] meals' and stolen food items at both locations. In March, when Roca told Johnson that she wanted to set a meeting to discuss the discrepancies in missing inventory, Johnson 'walked out and quit,' Roca told police. That's when the owners combed over old balance sheets and surveillance footage from both locations, tallied the losses and called police. Roca says she has also filed a report with North Miami Beach police, but the status of any investigation is unclear as of this article's publication. During the same month, Johnson and Dorvil started operating their Deb's Philly Cheesesteaks food truck, which created its first social-media post on March 8. In a public Facebook post on March 26, Johnson wrote that she created Deb's Phillys in honor of her late mother. 'I decided to open a food truck, something that me and her have talked about for many years,' she wrote. 'Unfortunately, we weren't [able] to do it before her passing, so I kept her dream alive.' Videos layered with hip-hop beats show customers eating Philly cheesesteak subs and french fries topped with bacon and ranch dressing. Johnson also appears in multiple videos. The couple picked up high-profile support when Keith Lee, an influencer with over 17 million TikTok followers who tastes and critiques takeout dishes in his car, shouted out the food truck. 'In my opinion, amazing. Absolutely amazing,' Lee said in his video posted April 14. 'I think, in my humble opinion, the best Philly cheesesteak I've had in a long time.' 'It's Keith Lee-approved!' a Deb's Philly Cheesesteak employee then cuts in. 'You heard it first here!' The food truck made regular visits to Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise and Riviera Beach as recently as late April, according to its online schedule. The food truck's last social-media post, on May 16, coincides with the date of Johnson and Dorvil's arrest. Also on May 16, a GoFundMe page was created titled 'Help Deb's Phillys Food Truck Recover' that stated an 'emergency situation' caused them to 'lose everything in our food truck and the truck itself.' Roca said her husband Marco and son Marco Jr. lost both their hotel industry jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and on a whim decided to invest their 'entire life savings' into opening the first two South Florida franchises of the Las Vegas-headquartered Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. But now, the loss of merchandise has forced her to close her 3-year-old North Miami Beach location on May 10, while Plantation is 'barely holding on and losing money.' One North Miami Beach employee has lost their job, while two others agreed to relocate to the Plantation eatery. Both Capriotti's locations were insured, but not for alleged employee theft, she said. 'We're trying to get out of our [North Miami Beach] lease now,' Roca said. 'I don't know how much longer I can hold on. I put all my heart into the people that I trust, and this still happened to me.' Sun Sentinel features writer Phillip Valys can be reached at pvalys@ or X at @philvalys.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local Owner Expands Capriotti's Presence with Post Falls Opening
Award-Winning Cheesesteaks, Sandwiches and Subs Coming Soon to Post Falls POST FALLS, Idaho, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's), known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheesesteaks, turkey subs and more, has announced the opening of a new location in Post Falls. The shop is slated to open at 264 S Beck Road on May 20. Capriotti's introduces local communities across the U.S. to the brand's 40-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house, and other one-of-a-kind sandwiches made using the freshest ingredients. Meet the Local Franchise Owner:Capriotti's Post Falls is owned and operated by local resident Jameson Angle. After spending his career in information technology, Angle sought a way to work more closely with people and serve his community. He discovered Capriotti's and was drawn to the brand's distinctive flavors and signature sandwiches, leading him to open a location in Coeur d'Alene in 2022. He has run that location, as well as the new one, along with his wife, Aimee, and their two daughters. Now, he is expanding with a new restaurant in Post Falls, giving more people the opportunity to experience Capriotti's award-winning menu. "I've always wanted to be part of something that brings people together, and Capriotti's does just that," Angle said. "From the first bite, I knew this was a concept I wanted to share with my community. I'm excited to expand into Post Falls and introduce even more people to the incredible food and experience Capriotti's has to offer." Capriotti's is known for its wide array of sandwiches including: The Bobbie: An award-winning creation made with fresh oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo. Capastrami: Crafted with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and homemade coleslaw. Cheesesteaks: Made with premium steak, chicken, or Impossible plant-based meat and melted cheese, plus hot or sweet peppers. In addition to its handcrafted sandwiches, the new Capriotti's shop will bring a multitude of new jobs to the Post Falls market. Capriotti's fans can download the Capriotti's Rewards app on iOS and Android to earn, redeem rewards and score free food at Capriotti's shops. Capriotti's in Post Falls will offer convenient order-ahead options, online ordering, and third-party delivery services. Capriotti's also offers catering for any event, from corporate events to birthday parties, with catered items including cold sub party trays, box lunches, or a hot homemade meatball bar. For more information, please visit or call (208) 981-0010. About Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Founded in 1976, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is an award-winning national franchised restaurant chain that remains true to its 49-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house every day. Capriotti's cold, grilled, and vegetarian subs, cheesesteaks and salads are available at more than 175 locations across the United States. Capriotti's signature sub, The Bobbie®, was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" by thousands of readers across the country, as reported by Capriotti's fans can also download the CAPAddicts Rewards app for iOS and Android, where they can earn and redeem rewards. Capriotti's plans to grow to over 750 locations by 2032 and was ranked on Fast Casual's Top Movers & Shakers List each of the last five years (2020-24). For more details about Capriotti's, including franchise opportunities available across the country, visit Like Capriotti's on Facebook, follow on Twitter or Instagram. Media Contact: Evan Hensley | Fishman PR | ehensley@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Journals
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
ReAnimator Coffee brews success with TD Bank's backing
Behind every growing business is a series of pivotal decisions – where to open, how to expand, when to invest and who to rely on for support along the way. For companies like ReAnimator Coffee, choosing the right bank has made all the difference. The Philadelphia-based specialty coffee company has built its reputation on light roasts, exceptional service and deep neighborhood ties. Since its earliest days, the company has relied on TD Bank not just for financing but also for a meaningful relationship that helps support both growth and daily operations. From securing its first commercial-grade roaster to buying a building for its sixth cafe, ReAnimator has benefited from consistent banking support from TD Bank. Co-founder Mark Capriotti points to that long-standing relationship – particularly with Business Relationship Manager Kevin Dunn – as a key factor in the company's ability to scale smartly and operate with confidence. 'I email or call Kevin about anything from a cash deposit issue or a wire situation to a loan on a big piece of equipment,' said Capriotti. 'Kevin usually does a good job of under-promising and over-delivering.' From roasting roots to retail expansion It all began with a love for great coffee. In 2011, Capriotti and co-founder Mark Corpus turned their shared passion for single-origin beans into a basement roasting project in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. What began as a side business selling at farmers' markets and co-ops quickly grew into a thriving brand with a loyal following. 'We started ReAnimator as a side hustle. I don't really think people used the phrase 'side hustle' at that time,' shared Capriotti. From its early days, the company focused specifically on light roast coffee – a less common offering at the time – which allowed the natural flavor profiles of each origin to shine. This approach became a foundational element of the brand. 'The more you roast the bean, the more of the roast you taste. More of the roast, less of the intrinsic flavors of the coffee itself,' Capriotti explained. This philosophy not only shaped their roasting style but also guided the company's growth. After receiving a loan from TD Bank to purchase its first commercial roaster, ReAnimator opened its first cafe in 2013. Just one year later, it expanded again, opening a second cafe while moving roasting operations into a more visible and accessible facility. 'While we were still searching for a place to put that second coffee roaster, we got a loan for it because it was a significant cost. TD was working with us and was good with everything (converging) at once,' said Capriotti. 'We took delivery of that coffee roaster in the fall of 2012, and that was a big move for us.' Financing growth with the right banking institution Today, ReAnimator's second location remains one of its most unique. It features a full-service coffee bar with production visible in the background, allowing customers to see and experience the roasting process firsthand, something made possible, in part, by early support from TD Bank as the company scaled. 'You see the retail location, and you experience that. And you see the production, and you get to understand, 'I'm in the place where the coffee gets produced,'' Capriotti noted. For him, managing a coffee business goes beyond beans and branding. He believes the company's success is rooted in running a tight and thoughtful operation across all levels. 'We try extremely hard to be a disciplined business and be disciplined business owners,' said Capriotti. 'Anybody can have a hit product in any segment. But if you don't execute on the business side, you're not going to make it.' That commitment to disciplined decision-making extends beyond ReAnimator's day-to-day operations. Having a reliable banking resource that offers financial clarity has been essential to its ability to grow strategically. Dunn regularly works with the team to talk through major decisions, whether they're evaluating equipment purchases or comparing financing options. 'When they set out to purchase a building for its upcoming Mount Airy cafe, I recommended pursuing a U.S. Small Business Administration loan,' recalled Dunn. 'While more complex than a traditional loan, it ultimately offered better long-term benefits.' Dunn's recommendation to pursue an SBA loan reflected his deep understanding of ReAnimator's financial structure, operational priorities and long-term goals. His consistent ability to offer solutions tailored to the business, grounded in both responsiveness and insight, has made him a trusted resource at every stage. Whether navigating a major investment or resolving day-to-day questions, Dunn's support has played a steady role in ReAnimator's continued growth. TD's guidance for everyday business needs The relationship between ReAnimator and TD Bank extends far beyond major loan decisions. Dunn provides constant support and insightful guidance on operational issues like cash deposits, wire transfers and account permissions – elements that are critical for a multi-location retail business. When it comes to acquiring equipment or planning new store builds, Dunn also provides side-by-side comparisons that help ReAnimator evaluate leases versus loans. The process allows for better forecasting and control. 'He's giving me the choice of, 'Here's the rate, here's the term, here's the down payment,'' said Capriotti. He added that Dunn's strength lies not just in providing numbers but in presenting options that align with where the business is and where it wants to go. That kind of clarity has defined ReAnimator's long-standing relationship with TD Bank. Capriotti points to consistent support and transparency as key reasons for staying with the bank. The personal relationship with Dunn is at the core of that continued loyalty. 'As long as I have Kevin, I wouldn't bank anywhere else,' Capriotti stressed. Investing in neighborhoods, not just real estate That same intentional, relationship-driven mindset guides how ReAnimator approaches physical growth. Rather than target high-rent business districts, ReAnimator has consistently opened its cafes in emerging residential neighborhoods. The strategy has helped the company connect with local communities while avoiding inflated commercial leases. 'We would rather go the neighborhood route and bet on a neighborhood and people wanting to be in the neighborhood for its amenities,' said Capriotti. Dunn sees this focus on community-rooted locations as one of ReAnimator's defining strengths. He believes it gives the brand an authenticity that customers respond to. This approach also proved advantageous during the pandemic, when retail locations in central business districts saw steep declines in foot traffic. ReAnimator's neighborhood-based locations remained steady, thanks to loyal customer bases. TD Bank shares this same commitment to the communities it serves, which is part of what makes the bank's support of ReAnimator such a natural fit. Planning for the future with TD Bank As ReAnimator continues its growth, the owners plan to open new retail locations, expand their online subscription program and deepen wholesale partnerships. Each new milestone is guided by thoughtful planning and backed by TD Bank – an institution that values community connection and takes the time to understand the people behind the business, not just the bottom line. 'TD Bank continues to provide for us, which is why we stay with them,' said Capriotti. Dunn remains deeply committed to ReAnimator's future and the relationship they've built over the years. 'We're here to support them for the long haul – because when we understand our customers and their goals, we can succeed together,' said Dunn. Lindsey Nolen is a freelance writer.
