Franchise Training
and Support
Our franchise owners are supported throughout the life of their franchise, from best-in-class training to grand opening support you won’t find anywhere else. By giving you the resources, tools, and skills you need to build a thriving business, we set you up for success.
Learn more about Potbelly’s franchise training and support!
Our Franchise Training Process
Our franchise owners receive world-class training that prepares them for their new roles with Potbelly. The amount of training you receive will depend on the role you plan to have at your shops.
Franchise Owner Training
During the pre-construction phase, all franchise owners will complete three days of in-person owner training. You will then complete your training at one of our Chicago shops.
As part of your owner training, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with our department heads and learn the ins and outs of our business at a training shop.
Operator Training
If you’re going to take a more hands-on role at your shops, you’ll also need to complete six weeks of operator training. Similar to the owner training, we hope you can join us in Chicago but will be happy to make other arrangements if that’s easier for you. With 75 training shops nationwide, you’ve got a lot of options!
During operator training, you’ll learn more about our philosophy, system standards, and the finer points of Potbelly’s day-to-day operations.
Keep in mind that other members of your team, like your general manager and shift leads, will need to complete 5-6 weeks of training specific to their positions before you open. Be sure to prioritize those hires during the pre-opening process.
Getting Ready to Open
Our team will be with you during every step toward your opening. Potbelly’s real estate and development teams will see you through the construction process, including design and buildout. Our team can help support you in many areas of operations and development, including but not limited to: site selection, administrative tasks, IT infrastructure, hiring, and more.
Meet the Dream Team
Most franchises only send out one member of the brand support team to help you open your franchise location, but Potbelly’s opening crew includes your franchise business consultant, a training lead, and the Dream Team. Made up of carefully selected certified trainers and shift leaders from Potbelly shops nationwide, the Dream Team helps train your staff for 3-4 days prior to opening. They’ll also be on hand for your oven warming – a fun event for friends, family, and community leaders the day before you open – and your grand opening event. We’ll also stick around for a few days after you’ve opened to make sure everything is running smoothly!
Ongoing Franchise Support
Our franchise training and support doesn’t end once you’ve opened. We’ll continue to back you up with tools and resources from our home office, and you’ll get ongoing, dedicated coaching from your franchise business consultant. Potbelly’s operating and IT systems make it as simple as possible to keep all the balls in the air. And we’ll connect you with trusted regional vendors that give you a reliable supply chain that keeps your locations stocked with all of your customers’ favorite items. Potbelly gives you the time you need to focus on making your business the best it can be.
Ryan Hamra – Support from Potbelly
Dora Braun – Culture & Employment
Fire up the stove!
See the difference our franchise training and support makes when you become part of the Potbelly franchise system. Fill out our convenient online form today to start a conversation!
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