Maitland’s most popular sandwich joint, Kappy’s Subs (Instagram | Website), will be closing permanently on Saturday, September 14.
The sub shop, which is operated out of an iconic Valentine Diner trailer at 501 N. Orlando Avenue [GMap], has been owned by the same family ever since 1972. The diner was founded in 1967 by a man named Isadore “Itch” Kaplan, before being sold to Bob and Claudia Caplan (no relation). The Caplan’s daughter, Rachel, eventually took the reigns before she put her son, Adam Milsom, in charge as general manager and chef. Since then, Kappy’s has added a satellite location in Exploria Stadium and a food truck for catering and special events.
All those 52 years, the property was being leased by the family. According to Milsom, they were trying to purchase the property but lost out to another buyer, Bolen Properties, and they have been unable to extend their lease. Bolen Properties also owns the property next door at 601 N. Orlando Avenue.
Kappy’s will serve their last meals on the 14th and shutter at last at 4 p.m.
The family is actively looking for new spaces and opportunities to re-open the Kappy’s brand or test a new concept elsewhere, but know that a lot of the magic was in the location itself.
“The building was so important to our success over the years. Everyone loves it. There’s nothing else like it in the area. I’m not sure what we’re going to do.”
– RACHEL MILSOM
Adam Milsom took to social media earlier today to share the following message.
