Go Big or Stay Warm: Potbelly Multi-Unit Franchise Opportunity
Potbelly isn’t built for one shop thinking, it’s built for operators ready to scale.
From real estate to operations to market expansion, our growth strategy is designed for experienced multi-unit developers who want to build something bigger than a footprint, they want to build a legacy.
The Potbelly Difference: Why Multi-Unit Operators Choose Potbelly
We’re not new to this, we’ve been building crave and culture since 1977. Today, Potbelly is a nationwide brand with 460+ locations and a model designed to grow with operators who think long-term.
Nearly 50 Years of Proven Brand Strength: A national name with neighborhood roots, trusted by millions of loyal fans.
You Can See in the Numbers: Potbelly shops posted an Average Unit Volume of approximately $1.3M* in annual sales per shop last year, placing the brand among the top performers in the sandwich category.
460+, in 30+ states with 1,500+ available territories: Momentum that speaks for itself.
Footprints, Big Opportunities, 1800 sq ft: Inline, drive-thru, or nontraditional; Potbelly thrives wherever people gather.
Crave That Converts: Elevated flavor, high-quality ingredients, and hospitality that keeps guests coming back.
Built For Operators Who Scale
Stop chasing slow-growth brands. Potbelly is built for multi-unit operators, powered by crave,
consistency, and real momentum.
Average Sales
Built to perform,
not just scale.
With average unit volumes of approximately $1.3M, Potbelly stands out among leading sandwich concepts. While other brands have expanded rapidly, Potbelly has grown with intention; pairing strong sales performance with a scalable, operator-friendly model. For multi-unit developers, that balance matters. Strong unit economics combined with a growing national footprint create an opportunity to build meaningful market presence without sacrificing performance. It’s growth that’s hot, steady, and built to last.
*Based on 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document data. Individual results may vary.
No. of Locations
Support That Moves With You—
Built for Operators Who Go Big
At Potbelly, support isn’t a phase, it’s the foundation. From day one through multi-unit expansion, our team works alongside you to help you move faster and operate stronger.
Comprehensive Multi-Unit Training – Built to prepare you for scale, not just opening day.
Operational Support That Sticks – Real guidance from teams who know the model inside and out.
Marketing That Drives Demand – National strength with local execution.
Real Estate & Site Strategy – We help you find the right locations and make them work.
Potbelly’s exclusive 50/50 Incentive Program is designed for multi-unit developers ready to scale with intention. Through this program, Potbelly shares in the upfront investment reducing franchise fees and lowering initial capital requirements across your development agreement.
For multi-unit franchisees committing to 15+ shops within eight years, the incentive goes further by unlocking reduced franchise and deposit fees, plus 50% off royalty fees for early openings. It’s a structure built to reward operators who move fast and build with purpose.
Lower upfront costs as you open new shops
Reduced financial friction as you expand your footprint
More flexibility to reinvest and grow across your territory
Combined with increased purchasing power, access to prime real estate, and hands-on support, the 50/50 model gives you a smarter path to multi-unit growth, without slowing momentum.
We’re actively expanding in high-growth markets like South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Arizona giving operators the opportunity to establish early market leadership with a brand that runs hot.
Shared investment. Strong support. Bigger opportunity.
How to Become a Potbelly Multi-Unit Franchisee
If you’re ready to build more than a single location and step into the role of a multi-unit franchise owner, you’re in the right place.
Our process is designed to identify experienced operators, align on growth strategy, and set you up to scale with confidence from your first shop to your full territory.
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.
