A View From The Top

From skies to sandwiches: Former pilot opens Capriotti's

Jonathan Heslop explains why he left his helicopter pilot's job to become a Capriotti’s franchisee in St. Louis.

Photo: Capriotti's

December 22, 2025

Before I was serving premium sandwiches in St. Louis, Missouri, I was flying air ambulances and TV news helicopters across the Midwest, flipping houses, teaching concealed carry classes, and even launching a charcoal brand that became the top-rated lump charcoal in nearly 10,000 stores nationwide. My career path may sound unconventional, but every twist prepared me for a new rewarding chapter — becoming a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop franchisee and building another business that my family and community can take pride in.

Discovering a Brand That Stuck with Me

My love for Capriotti's started more than two decades ago in Las Vegas. I was there often for conventions, and every trip included at least one stop for The Bobbie — the brand's famous Thanksgiving sandwich stacked with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. In other cities, Capriotti's became my go-to sandwich shop, and I was always struck by how consistent the quality and flavor were no matter where I ordered.

When I got fed up that Capriotti's did not have a location in the works for St. Louis yet — a city known for great food but filled with the same style of sandwich shops — I knew there was an opportunity to bring something unique home. I wanted to give my community a place that served crave-worthy food made with care, and I wanted to show my four teenage sons what it looks like to take another business concept to fruition — especially now that they were old enough to learn from and participate in it

Building the Dream in St. Louis

Opening our first St. Louis location in the suburb of Rock Hill was no small feat. As any small business owner will tell you, it takes grit, long hours, and the ability to problem-solve and assess risk on the fly — skills I honed as a helicopter pilot. But I also had the benefit of Capriotti's proven systems and recipes, an incredible support team, and a product I genuinely believe in.

The response from the community exceeded even my highest expectations. We reached more than $1 million in sales in our first year — an achievement that reaffirmed everything I believed about the strength of this brand and the appetite for something new in St. Louis. But what really makes me proud isn't just the numbers — it's seeing repeat customers become regulars, and regulars become friends. It's the families who stop in after a Saturday morning soccer game or the local first responders grabbing lunch during their shifts. That's what community looks like to me and the life I used to live as well.

More Than a Sandwich Shop

Capriotti's isn't just a restaurant; it's a platform for connection. Outside of business hours, I'm still focused on building community in other ways — I have ownership in a local radio station and perform as part of Platinum Rock Legends, St. Louis's top cover band. Whether it's entertaining people through talk radio, music, or feeding them great food, my goal is the same: to make people feel good and to give back to the city that's given me so much.

As our second location Creve Coeur gets underway, I'm more motivated than ever to build something that lasts. I want my four kids to see firsthand what it means to take risks, to work hard, and to treat people well. Owning a Capriotti's isn't just a business decision — it's a way to make a real impact in your community.

Leaving a Legacy, One Sandwich at a Time

Every entrepreneur hopes their work will outlive them in some way. For me, that is rooted in leaving a mark on your family and community. Capriotti's gave me a turnkey system for success and the freedom to make it my own. Whether it's through innovative local marketing, new menu launches, or supporting local events, I see endless potential to grow alongside this brand and this city.

When I look around our store – at the smiling faces behind the counter, the families sharing a meal, and my own kids helping out on weekends. I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

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