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.

75 Training Shops
Across the nation

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

Franchise Training and Support

At Potbelly, we don’t just open shops; we build legacies. We’re committed to making sure you’re set up for success from the first day all the way through your journey. Our training and support are unmatched in the industry, and we’re with you every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect from us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our franchise owners are supported throughout the life of their franchise, from best-in-class training to a seasoned new shop opening support team, and ongoing relationships you can trust with your Franchise Business Consultant. To start, you’ll receive three days of in-person owner training, plus a virtual meet and greet with support partners. Two people tasked with the day-to-day operations of your business will be required to take an additional 6 weeks of operator training to get the tools needed for successful operations. 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.

From marketing campaigns to daily operations, we provide continuous, proactive support so your business keeps growing hot, not warm. Your partnership with your Franchise Business Consultant is going to be the key to making the most of your Potbelly Shop.

Staffing depends on your shop’s size and location. However, we require a base starting staff of twenty associates and four shop leaders. This includes the General Manager. From hiring guidance to training systems, we give you everything you need to run efficiently and scale confidently.

The Owner Field Introduction focuses on “How to Potbelly” and building your foundation of knowledge, while operator training dives into day-to-day shop operations. If you plan to be hands-on, operator training ensures you’re fully prepared to lead your team and hit your goals. If you’ll delegate to a management team, you must select two total leaders to complete this training.

Nope. Your franchise fees cover all initial training. Potbelly invests in your success from the start so you can grow fast, scale smart, and focus on building a lasting legacy.

Your consultant provides tailored coaching to optimize operations, solve challenges, and push your business forward. You’ll always have a strategic partner who ensures your shops perform at their peak.

Our IT support team delivers quick, effective solutions whenever you need them, so you can stay focused on running and scaling your business.

Get trained, supported, and ready to run hot. Contact Potbelly today to start your franchise training journey.

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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