Build a Scalable Fast-Casual Business with Potbelly
Minneapolis-St. Paul Franchise Opportunities for Multi-Unit Operators
The Twin Cities are built on strong neighborhoods, thriving business districts, and a culture that values quality.
The brands that win here do more than open, they become part of the daily routine.
If you’re exploring franchise opportunities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Potbelly offers a proven fast-casual concept, flexible formats, and a development model designed for operators who want to grow with intention.
Select territories across the Twin Cities metro area are available.
Who This Opportunity
Is For
We’re building with operators who are ready to grow beyond a single location.
The best fit for this opportunity:
Multi-unit franchisees or experienced business operators
Access to $500K+ in liquid capital
A plan to develop 3 or more locations
A long-term view on building within a defined Twin Cities territory
If you’re looking for a one-off investment, this likely isn’t the right fit.
Why Potbelly
Potbelly started in a neighborhood antique shop and grew into a national brand by focusing on what works: good food, a welcoming experience, and a model operators can scale.
What that means for you:
A Brand People Crave, Not Just Recognize
Toasty sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, and a menu that drives repeat visits. This is not a one-time visit concept. It becomes part of the weekly routine.
A Shop Experience That Builds Loyalty
Potbelly feels familiar from the start. That neighborhood energy translates into consistent traffic and stronger customer relationships over time.
Simple, Repeatable Operations
A focused menu and well-defined processes make it easier to deliver a consistent experience without unnecessary complexity.
Built for Real Growth, Not Just First Units
Designed for operators planning multiple locations. As you build density, efficiency improves across labor, marketing, and daily operations.
Flexible Enough to Meet the Market
Inline, endcap, and nontraditional formats allow you to enter high-demand locations, from downtown business districts to growing suburban retail centers.
Support That Stays Involved
From site selection through opening and ongoing operations, the team stays engaged to help you continue growing.
Why Minneapolis-St. Paul Is a Strong Growth Market
The Twin Cities combine the energy of a major metropolitan area with the loyalty and community feel of distinct neighborhoods.
For operators, that creates real opportunity if the concept can deliver quality, convenience, and consistency.
A Strong Economic Foundation: Home to major employers across healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and technology, Minneapolis-St. Paul benefits from a diverse economy that supports year-round consumer demand.
Built-In Daytime Traffic: Downtown business districts, healthcare campuses, universities, and employment centers create consistent traffic throughout the week.
Neighborhoods That Build Loyalty: From Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul to Edina, Bloomington, Maple Grove, and surrounding communities, the Twin Cities are filled with neighborhoods where people support the brands they trust.
Room to Build Density: The region’s mix of urban, suburban, and mixed-use development creates opportunities to establish multiple locations and scale strategically across the market.
In markets like Minneapolis-St. Paul, operators who establish multiple locations early and build density tend to perform best.
How the Process Works
Submit inquiry
Share your background and development goals.
Introductory call
Connect with our franchise development team to discuss the opportunity and determine if we're a good fit for one another.
Franchise disclosure document review & discovery process
Territory planning
Align on your Twin Cities development strategy and identify potential growth opportunities.
Warm welcome & business plan
Meet the broader Potbelly team, gain a deeper understanding of the brand, and develop a plan for long-term growth.
Agreements & approvals
Finalize development agreements, complete approvals, and prepare for the next phase of the process.
Franchise awarded
Welcome to the Potbelly system. With your territory secured, you'll begin working with our team on site selection, training, and opening plans. We guide you through each step so you can make an informed decision and build with confidence.
Start Building in Minneapolis-St. Paul
If you’re evaluating food franchises in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Potbelly offers a model built for scale, supported by an established brand and experienced development team.
When you’re ready to learn more, you’ll connect directly with Todd, our Franchise Sales Director, who will guide you through the opportunity, answer your questions, and help determine whether Potbelly is the right fit for your growth goals.
Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss next steps and territory availability.
FAQ
Find Answers to Your Questions:
Build Something That Lasts
Potbelly isn’t a short-term play, it’s a brand built for long-term growth. With nearly 50 years of crave, culture, and consistency, we partner with operators who are ready to scale, lead, and leave their mark. Ready to go big? Let’s get started.
