Founded in 1973 by Erik Johnson in Scotts Valley, California, Erik’s DeliCafé began as a small 600-square-foot delicatessen and bakery. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, the brand has expanded throughout Northern California and neighboring regions. The franchisor, Erik’s DeliCafé Franchises, Inc., was established in 1986 to support the company’s growth through franchising.

Erik’s DeliCafé is a quick-service café concept known for its “Sandwiches with Character®,” hearty soups based on family recipes, and fresh salads served in a warm, community-oriented environment.

The menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, featuring premium meats, cheeses, signature breads, and house-made soups. This commitment to quality has positioned Erik’s DeliCafé as a trusted alternative to traditional fast-casual sandwich chains.

What sets Erik’s DeliCafé apart is its blend of tradition and innovation. With over five decades of experience, the brand combines its family heritage and customer loyalty with a strong focus on franchisee support.

Training

Erik's Delicafe provides a comprehensive training program as part of its franchise offering. The training services offered by the franchisor are as follows:

1. Initial Training Program: Erik’s provides an initial training program to the franchisee and one additional person. This training must be completed at least one week prior to opening the DeliCafe. Franchisees are responsible for all associated travel, lodging, and wage expenses. This training covers essential aspects needed to operate the business and is priced at $5,000.
2. Pre-Opening Support: In the week prior to the DeliCafe opening, Erik’s assists in setup, which includes training team members on-site and installing operational systems necessary for launch.
3. Team Member Training: Employees are trained at either the franchisee's DeliCafe or another designated location during the week before opening. All related costs are borne by the franchisee.
4. Ongoing Management Training: Erik’s conducts periodic seminars covering new management techniques and other relevant topics. While there is no charge for the seminars themselves, all travel and associated costs must be covered by the franchisee

Territory Protection

Erik’s Delicafe does not provide exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While a Designated Area is typically assigned, defined by geographic markers such as radius or boundaries, the franchisor reserves the right to open additional outlets within that area under certain conditions.

These may include airports, office parks, or developments that support multiple locations, and the franchisee might face direct competition from other Erik’s locations or franchised units.

Even within the Designated Area, if market conditions change—such as an increase in commercial development or foot traffic—the franchisor may redefine the territory to add another DeliCafe.