Established
1977
Franchise Units
440
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,050,000
Home Based
No
Description
Potbelly Sandwich Works is a fast-casual sandwich shop known for its toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped milkshakes, fresh salads, and welcoming neighborhood vibe. With a loyal customer base and a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Potbelly delivers a memorable dining experience in a cozy, inviting setting. As a franchisee, you tap into a well-established brand with a scalable business model and strong unit-level economics.
Why Invest in a Potbelly Sandwich Works Franchise?
✅ High Consumer Demand: With a growing shift toward fresh, fast, and flavorful food, Potbelly sits perfectly at the intersection of quality and convenience. Its handcrafted sandwiches, fresh salads, soups, and hand-dipped shakes appeal to a wide demographic.
✅ Proven Track Record: With over four decades of operational excellence and strong brand equity, Potbelly has built a reputation for high customer satisfaction and consistency.
✅ Scalable Business Model: From airports and malls to urban centers and suburban communities, Potbelly’s flexible footprint supports various formats.
✅ Strong Unit Economics:
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Average Unit Volume (AUV): ~$1.3 million/year
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EBITDA Margin: ~15%
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Annual Profit Estimate: ~$195,000/unit
✅ Growing Franchise Network: Potbelly is expanding rapidly across key U.S. markets through multi-unit franchise agreements, offering territory protection and high ROI potential.
✅ Brand Popularity: The brand is widely recognized for its warm hospitality, comfort food, and community-driven approach—helping drive repeat business and strong word-of-mouth marketing.
Background
Potbelly Sandwich Works began its journey in 1977 when Peter Hastings started serving warm, toasted sandwiches from his antique store in Chicago, using a potbelly stove—hence the name. In 1996, entrepreneur Bryant Keil bought the shop and transformed it into a scalable franchise model, launching multiple locations across the USA.
The company introduced franchising in 2009 and went public in 2013 under the name Potbelly Corporation (NASDAQ: PBPB). With over 430+ locations across the United States and expanding international presence—including a successful entry into the Indian market in 2017—Potbelly continues to grow as a dominant player in the fast-casual restaurant category.
Support Training
Potbelly provides world-class franchise support to ensure your success:
🔹 Franchise Onboarding: Initial training includes 6 weeks of hands-on training at corporate and store locations.
🔹 Store Setup Assistance: Help with site selection, layout design, construction management, and equipment sourcing.
🔹 Operations Training: Full operational support for food prep, inventory, hygiene, and quality control.
🔹 Staff Hiring & HR Support: Guidance on hiring and training your team to maintain brand standards.
🔹 Marketing Support: National and local marketing campaigns, branding, social media tools, and loyalty programs.
🔹 Technology & IT Support: POS systems, digital ordering, app integration, delivery partner setup, and analytics dashboards.
Ideal Candidate
Potbelly is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals or groups who:
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Have strong business acumen and leadership skills.
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Possess experience in restaurant or retail operations (preferred, not required).
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Are committed to delivering excellent customer experiences.
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Have the financial capability to develop and operate multiple units.
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Align with Potbelly’s brand values and community-focused culture.
Financial Detail
Franchise Fee: $40,000
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Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
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Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales
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Total Investment Range: $650,000 – $1,050,000
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Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $200,000
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Minimum Net Worth Required: $500,000
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Franchise Units (as of 2024): Approx. 440 locations (with a mix of franchised and company-owned units)
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Established Year: 1977
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Franchising Since: 2009