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.