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We extract fees, Item 19 financials, franchisee contacts, SBA default rates, litigation, and outlet data from every FDD — so you can compare brands in minutes, not months. Used by multi-unit operators, consultants, and franchise development teams.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

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.

122locations
$629K–$999K
Since 2009
Food & BeverageChicago, ILHero Franchising Inc.www.potbelly.comDisclaimer

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Franchise Costs

Franchise Fee
$40,000
Initial Investment
$628,938 – $999,371
Royalty Rate
6.00%
Brand Fund
3.00%
Fixed Monthly Fees
$1,642 – $1,642

6% royalty + 3% ad fund + $1,165/mo technology fee

Financial Performance


Item 19 Financial Performance

Average Gross Revenue
$1,344,085
Median Gross Revenue
$1,195,243

Data Based On: 97 franchised Potbelly Shops open for the entire 12-period timeframe (12 full periods) beginning with fiscal Period 1 in 2025 through fiscal Period 12 in 2025.

Extracted Item 19 Section

Avg. Revenue: $1,344,085

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How Potbelly Sandwich Shop Compares

Key Insights

  • Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Casual
FranchiseInvestmentFeeRoyaltyLocations
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Current
$629K – $999K$40K6.0%122
Tropical Smoothie Cafe$276K – $771K$35K6.0%1,650
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ$300K – $721K$35K6.0%1,371
FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT)$405K – $1.6M$20K6.0%1,249
Zaxby's$1.4M – $3.8M$35K6.0%826
Qdoba$548K – $1.3M$40K5.0%652
Fast Casual Average
109 franchises
$518K – $1.2M$38K5.6%

* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 109 Fast Casual franchises by location count.

Locations & Growth


Outlet Growth Over Time

Total outlets at end of each year

Geographic Distribution (2025)

Outlets by state across the United States

Top States
1Florida
17
2North Carolina
13
3Maryland
13
4New York
12
5Texas
9
6Washington
8
7Ohio
7
8Illinois
6
9Arkansas
5
10Oregon
4
11Kentucky
3
12Iowa
3
13Missouri
3
14Virginia
3
15Utah
3

+11 more states

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SBA Loan History


Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchisees (20142025)

Total Loans
29
Average Loan
$569,703
Total Volume
$16.5M
Default Rate
0.0%

Loans by Year

SBA 7(a) loan activity over time

* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.

29 SBA loans on record

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Franchisee Contacts

127 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.

127 Contacts Available

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Due Diligence


Litigation (Item 3)

Franchisee Cases0
No litigation involving franchisees reported

Bankruptcy (Item 4)

Bankruptcy HistoryNo
No bankruptcy history reported

System Health (Item 20)

Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year

Terminations
2
Non-Renewals
0
Reacquired
0
Ceased Ops
0
Transfers
0
Sold to Franchisees
1
Projected New
55

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Frequently Asked Questions

The total initial investment to open a Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchise ranges from $628,938 to $999,371. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.