Franchise FAQs
For more information about franchising with Potbelly, check out our franchise FAQs.
Don’t see your question answered here? Feel free to get in touch! We’re happy to talk with you and answer your questions. Contact us and we’ll schedule a call.
Questions About Potbelly Franchising
*based on 2023 Average Unit Volume for company owned restaurants
Potbelly candidates are required to meet the following financial qualifications:
- $1 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.
Potbelly territories are available nationwide! Visit our Available Territories page for more information.
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.
Our initial franchise fee is $40,000 for your first shop and a $20,000 deposit for each additional shop. Beyond that, the exact costs for your Potbelly franchise will vary depending on the footprints you choose for your shops and the number of units in your agreement. We’d love to talk you through all of the financial details. Fill out our candidate interest form and we can discuss more.
Our franchise owners are supported throughout the life of your franchise, from best-in-class training to grand opening support no other franchise can match. To start, you’ll receive three days of in-person owner training, plus an additional six weeks of operator training if you’re going to take more hands-on role at your shops. When you’re getting ready to open, you’ll benefit from the experience of our Dream Team, a hand-selected group of certified trainers from Potbelly shops nationwide. Once you’re up and running, you’ll receive IT, supply chain, and marketing support from our home office, as well as dedicated coaching from your franchise business consultant. Learn more about our franchise training and support. Learn more about our franchise training and support.
We can’t wait to meet you! Fill out our online inquiry form today and get ready to fire up the stove.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Fill out our online inquiry form today and get ready to fire up the stove.
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