Want to own a Potbelly Sandwich Franchise?

We’re looking for driven, experienced and engaged individuals to take Potbelly Sandwich Shop across the United States in some of the hottest markets in the country.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Potbelly franchise?

Let’s start by breaking down our sandwich franchise cost. First, we’re seeking candidates who are interested in multi-unit franchise agreements and meet the following financial qualifications:

  • Proven experience in operating multi-unit restaurant or retail brands. Restaurant Experience a plus, but not a must.

  • Strong business and financial acumen.
  • Customer service focus.
  • Willingness to engage with the local business community of the franchise market.

  • Owner who embraces the importance of operating with a diverse team of individuals.

Below, you’ll find some of the most essential parts of your franchise investment. Keep in mind that these numbers are minimum requirements, and the costs will differ depending on how many units are in your agreement. When you set up an intro call with us, you’ll receive more information about the total cost of franchising with Potbelly.

What are the minimum financial requirements to franchise with Potbelly?

$1.5M Net worth & $500K liquidity

The Basics: Experience Requirements for Potbelly Sandwich Shop Candidates

  • Understands the value of excellent customer service and brand loyalty

  • Preferred experience in multi-unit restaurant management, franchising and/or business development.

  • Five (5) years in the restaurant business, or a related venture, preferred

  • Understands the specific profit & loss responsibility for a restaurant

  • Can demonstrate the ability to be “best in class” in sales and profit performance

  • Demonstrates an understanding of marketing and public relations (local store marketing experience a plus)

Todd Stimson’s Potbelly Journey

Jignesh Patel’s Potbelly Journey

Want to Own a Potbelly Sandwich Franchise?

Ready to turn up the heat and build something bold that lasts? Potbelly’s multi-unit franchise opportunity is designed for the ambitious, the growth-driven, and the legacy-builders. With over 50 years of crave, culture, and community, Potbelly offers food franchise opportunities that deliver results and scale with confidence. Here’s what it takes to own and grow with Potbelly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Potbelly candidates are required to meet the following financial qualifications:

  • $1.5 million minimum net worth
  • $500,000 minimum liquidity

Ideally, candidates should have proven experience operating multi-unit restaurants and/or retail brands. Learn more about our ideal candidate and the basic financial requirements for owning a Potbelly Sandwich Shop here.

Our current focus is on multi-unit franchise growth in our available markets. However, based on your specific location, there could be opportunities available for single franchise ownership. We’d love to talk to you to discuss further.

Most agreements require that you open your first shop within approximately 12 months of signing your franchise agreement. The timeline for your additional shops will vary. We’ll go over your specific timeline in more detail during the franchise process.

While we prefer that either you or someone in your ownership group has experience in the restaurant industry. It is not required.

Franchisees oversee performance and growth. Hands-on leadership is encouraged to drive success, but you don’t need to manage every operational detail. The choice is yours, and our support ensures your shops thrive.

Potbelly shops typically operate from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, though hours may vary by location and market demand. We’ll help determine optimal hours to drive traffic, sales, and guest satisfaction.

Yes. Potbelly allows partnerships to meet liquidity and net worth requirements. We’ll guide you in structuring investor partnerships that enable fast growth and strong returns.

Ready to build hot shops and a lasting legacy? Potbelly offers franchise opportunities with proven demand, strong support, and the systems to scale multiple units successfully. 

Connect with our team today and start your journey to build, grow, and leave a legacy with a legacy brand.

Join our franchise family

Potbelly is looking for qualified people like you to bring our high-performing fast-casual industry to new markets. To start a conversation, fill out our online form today. A member of our franchising team will be in touch shortly with more information.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Primary Market of Interest:
Interested in multiple markets? Start with your primary location and our team will help you explore additional areas.
Consent
Consent
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Name*
This field is hidden when viewing the form