Franchising With A Purpose: The Drazdowskys’ Capriotti’s Story

For James Drazdowsky and his wife Nicole, launching a new business isn’t just about numbers; it’s about partnership, support, and delivering an experience that stands out. And when it came to bringing Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop to Connecticut, everything clicked into place.

Why Capriotti’s Stood Out

James is a seasoned business professional with 20 years of experience as a Director of Operations for a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts, where he developed a passion for building a business. James and Nicole were introduced to Capriotti’s through Nicole’s sister and her husband. They showed them our premium, award-winning sandwiches when they opened their first franchise in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. After this experience and learning more about our brand, Jim and Nicole were impressed not only with the extraordinary food, but with the people and systems behind it.

“What stood out about Capriotti’s was obviously the food first, but then the leadership team’s accessibility and their willingness to get into the details,” James states. “Whether it’s food costs, labor, or operations. I have access to the extensive support of their leadership team whenever I need it, and it’s been amazing.”

A New Kind of Convenience: Capriotti’s and Noble Gas

James and Nicole are opening their first Capriotti’s inside the high-tech Noble Gas Station at 190 Elm Street in Enfield, CT, very soon! This marks the first Capriotti’s in Connecticut.

More than just a typical gas station/convenience store, Noble Gas locations include upscale fueling, top-notch car washes, electric vehicle charging stations, and premium product offerings inside their stores. With Capriotti’s and Noble’s established leadership, the partnership was natural.

“Capriotti’s brings best-in-class sandwiches to customers that match our mission to offer a clean, welcoming, and high-quality experience,” said Michael Frisbie, Co-Owner of Noble Gas. "James and Nicole’s Capriotti’s location is also a family-run, Connecticut-based business, just like Noble Fuel, and they’re going to be able to grow with us."

The goal? To create a one-stop-shop destination that families can feel great about, whether they’re grabbing lunch or dinner, or charging their vehicle on the way to work.

Building a Family Legacy with Capriotti’s

The Drazdowskys don’t want to stop with just Enfield; they have plans to open additional Capriotti’s locations in Windsor and Hamden, both in partnership with Noble.

With Nicole managing the back office while homeschooling their two children, and James focusing on operations, the couple is creating a family-run business with deep local roots. "I want to build something my wife, son, daughter, and mother feel comfortable walking into. Clean, safe, well-lit, and full of good energy. That’s what Capriotti’s helps us bring to life."

James believes the success of these first few locations will pave the way for more. "We’re cautiously optimistic about future expansion. Noble and Capriotti’s have been great partners, and we’re confident these locations will perform well."

Launch Plans to Create Something Special

With the location set to open late April, the Enfield Capriotti’s is poised to make a splash—not just as a first for the brand in Connecticut, but as a blueprint for how food and fuel can work together to create something truly special.

“Capriotti’s has a strong brand identity outside of Connecticut, and we’re excited to introduce it here,” said James. “It’s a premium product with incredible support, and it complements Noble’s mission to elevate the convenience experience.”