Longtime popular family-owned deli sold in Tampa

Rumors that abounded on Tampa-based social media sites the past couple weeks were finally confirmed Monday. A local deli known for its style of Monte Cristo sandwich and large portions of other sandwiches and cakes that opened in 1963 will be changing hands.

Wright’s Gourmet House, originally founded by Marjorie and Pete Wright and sold to their grandson, Jeff Mount, in 1981, is officially property of Caspers Co., a Tampa-based hospitality business that was previously a large McDonald's franchisee. 

Financial terms of the deal, effective Monday, weren't disclosed. Mount will stay on in a transition role for six more months.

“It’s been my pleasure and honor to have built upon my grandparents’ legacy, and I am thrilled to now entrust that legacy to Blake and his team at Caspers Company,” says Mount in a statement. “Their reputation for excellence, as well as an unwavering commitment to the community, make them the ideal stewards to carry forward the standards that have defined Wright’s for generations."

Caspers Co. is co-owned by sibling duo Blake Casper and Allison Casper Adams. They’re the third generation owners of the brand, which includes Caspers Service Co., Riverside Recovery, Oxford Design Studio, and Oxford Commons brands: Oxford Exchange, The Library, The Stovall House, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Predalina, The Current Hotel, and Oxford Creative Studio. 

The Caspers maintain that the menu and legacy will remain unchanged moving forward. "Wright’s has a special place in the hearts of so many, and we are honored Jeff chose us to help preserve and build upon his family’s rich heritage,” says Blake Casper in a release. "Tampa has lost too many of its storied restaurants, and it is our privilege to become Wright’s custodians for years to come.”