Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchises enable operators to run quick-service restaurants that sell sandwiches, soups, salads, shakes, desserts, and other food and beverage products prepared according to specific recipes, standards, and using proprietary and branded ingredients. The business model involves granting franchises for individual shops or multi-unit development areas, requiring franchisees to follow strict operational procedures, purchase assets from affiliates, and compete in a crowded market of sandwich shops, quick-serve restaurants, and convenience stores. They target the general public seeking high-quality, freshly-prepared fast-casual food in a distinctive atmosphere.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 3% brand fund + $1,061/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 73 franchised traditional Potbelly Shops and 5 franchised non-traditional Potbelly Shops open for the entire 12-period timeframe in 2024.
* Weighted average gross revenue calculated from 73 traditional franchised units (average $1,227,247.51) and 5 non-traditional franchised units (average $3,414,013): (73 * $1,227,247.51 + 5 * $3,414,013) / (73 + 5) = $1,367,424.79. Median gross revenue is the stated median for traditional franchised units (1,161,729). Revenue top quartile is the average from the top performing segment (>$1500K) of traditional franchised units (1,740,311). Revenue bottom quartile is the average from the lowest performing non-zero segment ($500K-$1000K) of traditional franchised units (839,277). No profit, net income, or EBITDA data were provided for franchised units.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How Potbelly Sandwich Shop Compares to Other Fast Casual Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Casual
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Current | $654K - $1.3M | $40K | 6.0% | 95 |
| Tropical Smoothie Cafe | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) | $379K - $1.4M | $20K | 6.0% | 1,248 |
| Zaxby's | $1.4M - $3.8M | $35K | 6.0% | 826 |
| Qdoba | $548K - $1.3M | $40K | 5.0% | 652 |
Fast Casual Average 107 franchises | $532K - $1.2M | $39K | 5.6% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 107 Fast Casual franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+9 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchisees (2014 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
Unlock Franchisee Contact Database
153 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
Upgrade to Pro$199/year · Cancel anytime
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise?
The total initial investment to open a Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise ranges from $654,019 to $1,274,099. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise is $1,367,424.79. The median revenue is $1,161,729.
How many Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, Potbelly Sandwich Shop has 95 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2009.
Can you get an SBA loan for a Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchises. Historical data shows 29 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchisees, with an average loan amount of $569,703. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is Potbelly Sandwich Shop a good franchise to buy?
Potbelly Sandwich Shop shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in Potbelly Sandwich Shop?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if Potbelly Sandwich Shop is the right fit for you.
Talk to an Advisor