Delaware
Jersey Mike’s is nation’s top food chain, but score a local sandwich
Dover site on Route 13 is between Tasty Crab House and Citizens Bank
The coffee, donut and sandwich chain started in Canada chain and has over 6,000 locations but only about 675 in the United States
After 11 years of Chick-fil-A’s holding the top spot, Jersey Mike’s is now the nation’s top fast-food chain, according to a press release.
In 2025, Jersey Mike’s added 238 new locations around the country and “reached $4.2 billion in systemwide sales,” the release said.
The sub shop first opened on the Jersey Shore boardwalk in 1956. About two decades later, it began expanding and now has more than 4,000 locations open and under development around the country today, including 13 in Delaware.
Delaware is home to plenty of sandwich shops, many of which have been local favorites for years.
Here are a few must-try sandwich spots across the First State.
Capriotti’s
Capriotti’s deserves an honorable mention. Founded in Wilmington in 1976, the sandwich shop has grown into a national chain while staying true to its Delaware roots. Capriotti’s is most known for Bobbie, a sandwich inspired by Thanksgiving dinner. Founders, Lois and Alan Margolet created the signature sandwich at their first shop, naming after their Aunt Bobbie, who made them sandwiches from Thanksgiving leftovers each year. Over the years, the menu has expanded to include specialty sandwiches, fries, salads, desserts and catering options. Today, Capriotti’s has more than 175 locations around the country, all tracing their roots back to the First State.
Casapulla’s
Casapulla’s has remained a family-owned business since its founding and is not a franchise. Each location is operated by members of the Casapulla family. In 1956, founder Luigi Casapulla bought a neighborhood grocery store and turned it into Casapulla’s Grocery & Deli. As more grocery chains were coming to Delaware, Casapulla knew he had to make his store stand out to compete and turned his business into a full-service Italian deli and eat-in restaurant. This family business now has six locations, all in Delaware. The family continues to follow Luigis Casapulla’s vision “by serving the best subs, steaks, and delicatessen items, using the freshest ingredients and selling them at a reasonable price” in a welcoming environment, according to the company’s website.
Gaudiello’s
Another family-owned business, located in Trolley Square, has been around since 1982 providing the community with hand-crafted Italian sandwiches. Though its menu isn’t as expansive as other sandwich shops, each ingridient is crafted from the high-quality olive oil sprinkled on rolls to artisanal deli meats. The current owner, Eric Huntley, says the menu hasn’t changed since its opening. Even though the shop is tucked in the back of the Trolley Square Shopping Center, new and returning customers keep finding their way back.
Ioannoni’s Specialty Sandwiches
Ioannoni’s brings Philadelphia-style sandwiches to Delaware, so there’s no need to make the drive for a traditional roast pork, roast beef or chicken cutlet sandwich. Located in New Castle, Ioannoni’s is known for its Italian specialty sandwiches, many of which are inspired by founder Michael Ioannoni’s grandmother’s recipes and years of recipe development. They slow roast their beef, turkey and pork overnight and prepare toppings such as broccoli rabe, fried long hot peppers and roasted red peppers fresh each day. Cheesesteaks are another favorite. Ioannoni’s uses freshly sliced rib-eye steak on a seeded roll with melted Cooper Sharp cheese, delivering a classic Philadelphia-style cheesesteak.
Malin’s Deli
Malin’s Deli has been serving Newark for decades and has been a go-to spot for sandwiches, hoagies and wraps. In the mornings, the aroma of a fresh pot of coffee and breakfast sandwiches fills the deli whereas by afternoon, the focus shifts to serving up made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, hoagies and other deli favorites. Malin’s long-standing reputation in Delaware is perfect for any occasion, from catering to needing a quick and tasty bite to eat.
Lauren Lingle is a summer intern with Delaware Online/The News Journal.
What to do if you come across a serious car accident
These are the steps you should do if you encounter a serious car accident.
A 62-year-old man was killed late July 13 when a truck ran over him as he lay in the roadway, Delaware State Police said.
The man, from the Harrington area, has not been identified by police.
The incident occurred about 10:45 p.m. July 13 as a teen drove a Chevrolet Silverado west on Whiteleysburg Road near Harrington.
As the teen neared the 1500 block of Whiteleysburg Road, police said a man was lying on the roadway. The teen was unable to stop the Silverado and hit the man, who was taken to an area hospital where he died.
The teen, a 17-year-old Milton boy, was not injured.
Anyone who has information about the crash should contact investigators at (302) 698-8518. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.
New Fusco’s Water Ice trailer opens in Hockessin
New Fusco’s Water Ice trailer opens in Hockessin
Fusco’s Original Italian Ice, a refreshing, summery Delaware tradition for almost 70 years, is selling its slushy treats at a trailer in Hockessin.
The trailer is parked at the old George & Sons seafood market off Old Lancaster Pike near Hockessin Corner shopping center.
Service started July 13.
The Fusco’s trailer is serving a variety of water ice, ice cream and affogato, the Italian desserts made with ice cream and espresso.
On July 13, the water ice flavors included lemon, Fusco’s original and most traditional taste, along with cherry and mango. Sizes range from $5 for a small cup to $8 for a large. A quart is $10, and it’s $35 for a gallon container.
The ice cream flavors available on July 13 were mint chocolate chip, peanut and rocky road. One scoop is $4, two is $7, and three scoops are $10. Affogato is $9 for a single shot and $11 for a double shot.
The trailer is painted red, white and green, the colors of the Italian flag, and is decorated with newspaper articles about the history of Fusco’s, which was founded by Francesco “Cheech” Fusco and his son Rosario in 1957.
Fourth-generation Fusco’s family member Joseph Staffieri now operates the business. It includes the original stand at 610 N. Union St. in Wilmington’s Little Italy and a storefront at 3926 Kirkwood Highway near Milltown.
Staffieri makes water ice with the same equipment and ingredients, and uses his family’s recipes.
The Hockessin trailer will be serving icy treats daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Patricia Talorico writes about food, restaurants and Delaware history. You can find her on Instagram, X and Facebook. Email ptalorico@delawareonline.com. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for New Castle County and a heat advisory for the remainder of the state.
The watch and advisory are in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15.
The forecast for Wednesday is calling for dangerously hot conditions, with heat index values up to 106 degrees possible.
Here’s the Delaware county-by-county forecast for Wednesday:
New Castle County: Highs will be around 99 degrees, with heat index values reaching 106.
Kent County: Highs are expected to reach 100 degrees, with heat index values reaching 108.
Sussex County: Highs will reach 98 degrees, with heat index values around 104.
Delaware beaches: The beaches are not under the watch. Highs will reach 91 degrees.
There is good news for the First State — this is not a heat wave, but rather a one-day issue. Temperatures on Thursday will drop back into the mid-90s throughout the state.
During the last week of June and the first week of July, Delaware was stuck under a heat dome with days of record-breaking heat.
What is a heat advisory?
There are three advisories for heat, according to the National Weather Service:
- Heat advisory: A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.
- Extreme heat watch: The watch issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing are still uncertain. Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.
- Extreme heat warning: The warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors.
What are heat-related illnesses?
During extremely hot and humid weather, the body is challenged to cool itself. When the body struggles too much, several heat-related illnesses can occur. According to the National Weather Service, here’s what to watch for:
- Heat cramps: Heat cramps are the first sign of heat-related illnesses. The symptoms include muscle cramps and spasms typically in the legs or abdomen. You should apply pressure on the cramping muscle or gently massage the muscle. The person should also try to sip water unless they are nauseous. If the cramps last more than an hour, the person should seek medical attention.
- Heat exhaustion: A person who has heat exhaustion will sweat heavily, be tired, cool and clammy, have a weak, fast pulse, have muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headaches and may faint. Move the person to a cool area, loosen clothes and apply cool wet clothes or have the person sit in a bath. Offer water. If a person vomits more than once or symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
- Heat stroke: The symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees, a throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, fainting or a loss of consciousness. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
Who is most vulnerable in the heat?
According to the National Weather Service, heat is among the leading weather-related killers. These are the groups most impacted by high temperatures:
- Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
- Older adults, particularly those with preexisting diseases, take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility and are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
- People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have serious health problems during a heat wave than healthy people.
- Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.
How to stay safe in the heat
While you should remain in an air-conditioned room during the heat wave, if you do go outside you should do the following:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Cancel outdoor activities.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place, including overnight.
- Check on your neighbors.
- Avoid high-protein foods, including meat. Eating these can increase your body’s heat production.
- Avoid getting too much sun. Sunburns make it harder for your body to cool off.
- Be very careful in cars. Cars heat up extremely fast. Never remain in a parked vehicle with the windows closed, and always be wary of hot metal objects both inside the vehicle (such as seat belt buckles) and outside the car.
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