WHITEHALL TWP. Pa. – A popular sandwich shop chain is expanding its footprint in Lehigh County.
A new location of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, a fast-casual dining concept known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheesesteaks, turkey subs and more, is expected to open within the next month or two at 2221 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, manager Ryan Seibert told 69 News this past week.
A new location of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is coming soon to 2221 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Seibert’s father, Michael Seibert, is the franchise owner, and Ryan will operate the new location alongside Michael’s brother, Bill Seibert.
The Seiberts opened the Lehigh Valley’s first Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in 2022 at 5585 Hamilton Blvd. Unit 5 in Lower Macungie Township.
The family was originally hoping to open the new Whitehall location earlier this year, but some construction-related days pushed back the target opening date, Ryan said.
The space has now been outfitted with new flooring, lighting, counters, dining furniture, kitchen equipment and more.
“Everything’s pretty much done,” Ryan said. “We’re just waiting on a license and getting the suppliers all set up with accounts.”
A new location of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is coming soon to 2221 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
After operating successfully and hearing requests from customers to open another area location over the past few years, the Seiberts saw an opportunity to serve more Lehigh Valley foodies on the heavily traveled Route 145 in Whitehall.
“We’re excited!” Michael told 69 News last year.
“This is shop number two, but we want to expand even more in the Lehigh Valley. About two years ago, that [Whitehall] location was on the market, and we missed out on it. But then it came up again, and we jumped on it because we think that location is awesome.”
Michael has more than 30 years of experience as a financial advisor as well as a background in the food industry.
“I’m a financial advisor, and I was down in the Philadelphia area to see a client and stopped at a Capriotti’s,” Michael recalled.
“I thought, ‘Damn, there’s no cheesesteak like this in Allentown!’ In Allentown, they put spaghetti sauce or some other type of sauce on top. My son said, ‘I want to do this dad.’ And I said, ‘Let’s go! Let’s get it done!’ And that’s what we’ve done. It’s a family-run shop, and we’re just excited for shop number two.”
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Capriotti’s is known for its wide variety of sandwiches, including cheesesteaks such as American wagyu beef, grilled chicken and Impossible (plant-based); hot subs such as classic meatball, chicken chipotle crunch and American wagyu French dip; and cold subs such as homemade tuna, classic Italian and The Bobbie, featuring slow-roasted, hand-pulled turkey topped with cranberry sauce, handmade stuffing and mayo.
“It’s Thanksgiving every day at Capriotti’s,” Michael said in regard to The Bobbie sandwich.
Michael’s personal favorite sandwich is the Capastrami, loaded with hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, crunch coleslaw and zesty Russian dressing.
Other menu highlights include a variety of salads, soup and loaded fries.
Capriotti’s made-to-order, high-quality offerings set it apart from competitors, Michael said.
The Lehigh Valley’s first Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop opened in 2022 on Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
“The Bobby speaks for itself,” Michael added.
“That’s the fresh turkeys that we roast every night. We put three or four in the oven overnight, and then we shred them by hand in the morning. The cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are also all phenomenal. We get fresh bread every day from Liscio’s.”
Capriotti’s, with more than 175 locations across the United States, was founded in 1976 by siblings Lois and Alan Margolet.
The Margolets opened the first Capriotti’s shop – named after their grandfather, Phillip Capriotti – just beneath their apartment in Wilmington, Delaware.
“Back then, there were plenty of sandwich shops in and around Wilmington, but not one that was truly unique with fresh, authentic ingredients and ‘made-from-scratch’ preparation,” a message on Capriotti’s website reads.
“The siblings began roasting whole turkeys overnight, baking their own bread rolls, and serving quality meats, cheese and produce. It wasn’t long before the community took note of this new, delicious concept, and in 1987, the Margolets’ cousin, Diane, began to open additional locations throughout the state.”
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
By Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
The Whitehall location of Capriotti’s will occupy a soon-to-be renovated spot that was being marketed by James Balliet, president of The James Balliet Property Group.
The space previously housed Pella Windows & Doors, which moved to another location about a half mile north on MacArthur Road.
Seating will be available for around 30 guests, Michael said.
Like the Lower Macungie location, the new Whitehall shop also will offer catering, online ordering and delivery through third-party platforms.
For the latest Capriotti’s updates, follow the business’ Facebook page. Info: capriottis.com.