Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, San Jose

When Lois Margolet first opened Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in Wilmington, Delaware, 36 years ago, she and her brother Alan worked from the second story of a boarded-up building, roasting 10–12 whole turkeys every night and churning out a “real turkey lover’s” sandwich each day. Today, Capriotti’s has expanded across 12 states, each location stacking the same award-winning hot and cold sandwiches, racking up such accolades as The Best of Las Vegas 2012 and Best of Delaware 2012 prizes from the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Delaware Today, respectively. Though the shop is still known for its slow-roasted-turkey creations—such as the Thanksgiving-inspired Bobbie, named America’s best sandwich by AOL’s Lemondrop.com, piled with cranberry sauce and stuffing—its menu now ventures into the realm of roast beef, italian deli meats with such sandwiches as the Capastrami, cheesesteaks, and vegetarian treats, such as meatless chicken and turke