Dive Brief:
- Noble Gas, which operates about a dozen c-stores in the Northeast, has partnered to open Capriotti's Sandwich Shops inside three of its Connecticut gas stations, the companies announced this week.
- The deal marks Capriotti’s debut in Connecticut. The QSR chain — which has about 175 locations around the U.S. — will open in Noble's newest gas station in Enfield on April 25, with locations in Windsor and Hamden to come at a later date, according to the announcement.
- The Capriotti’s partnership underscores Noble’s broader growth plans, which have centered around “premium food options” as well as an ambitious electric vehicle charging strategy at its convenience stores.
Dive Insight:
Noble’s convenience stores, which are scattered across Connecticut and Massachusetts, range from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet and feature in-store seating, making them ideal to bring in a QSR. In addition to the upcoming Capriotti’s, the Enfield c-store includes a deli and ice cream counter, according to Noble’s website.
The Enfield Capriotti’s will offer several sandwiches, including The Bobbie, made with fresh oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo; Capastrami, featuring hot pastrami with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and coleslaw; and cheesesteaks, which can be served with steak or Impossible plant-based meat.
Noble and Capriotti’s appear to have bigger plans with their partnership, and are exploring the possibility of more co-located stores across Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as Rhode Island, which would mark Noble’s arrival into that state.
“This partnership is about more than just food; it's about creating a destination where people want to stop, refuel, and enjoy a great meal from those that care about quality in their communities,” Michael Frisbie, co-owner of Noble Gas, said in a statement.
The three-location deal in Connecticut is being led by Noble franchisees James and Nicole Drazdowsky, who are aiming to “set a new standard for what guests expect from a convenience store dining experience,” according to the announcement.
