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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Potbelly Franchise

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in Chicago in 1977, built around warm, toasted sandwiches made to order, alongside soups, salads, hand-dipped shakes, fresh-baked cookies, and wraps. The brand has grown from a single Chicago neighbourhood shop into a network of over 450 US locations operated under both company and franchise models.

Potbelly shops serve a predominantly lunchtime urban and suburban consumer base, with repeat visits reinforced by the Potbelly Perks loyalty programme, through which more than 40% of customer orders are now placed digitally. Franchisees can choose from flexible store formats including inline, endcap, drive-thru, freestanding, and non-traditional footprints, which support placement across a variety of retail and commercial real estate types.

In October 2025, Potbelly was acquired by RaceTrac, Inc., a family-owned convenience store company that brings additional capabilities in real estate, operations, and franchising. The brand’s franchise programme focuses on multi-unit growth, with operators typically entering development agreements for three or more locations. Potbelly is targeting its 500th location opening in 2026, with a long-term goal of exceeding 2,000 US shops.

Latest Resales

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Why buy a Potbelly Franchise?

Potbelly’s five-decade operating history, nationally recognised brand, and family-owned parent company backing give franchise buyers a meaningful platform. For buyers looking to buy a Potbelly franchise resale, the brand’s national and regional vendor partnerships, integrated operating systems, and Potbelly Perks loyalty platform transfer with the unit. Over 40% of transactions are placed digitally, so resale units typically come with an existing customer data asset tied to the loyalty programme.

The multi-unit franchise model means most resale opportunities involve operators with established teams in place, which supports continuity for incoming buyers. The 2025 acquisition by RaceTrac, Inc. signals continued investment in franchise infrastructure and long-term growth.

Potbelly Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1977

    • Franchising Since

      1996

    • New Startup Cost

      $654,019 – $1,274,099

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $40,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      50%

      of Initial Franchise Fee; 20% if to existing franchisee

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      3%

      of Gross Revenue

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      441

    • New Units Opened *

      18

    • Units Transferred *

      0

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $1,227,248

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Potbelly – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Potbelly provides initial owner training through a three-day in-person orientation at a Chicago shop, with hands-on operators completing an additional six weeks of operator training at one of 75 training shops nationwide. Ongoing support is delivered through a dedicated Franchise Business Consultant who provides tailored coaching and performance review, backed by home-office teams covering IT, supply chain, and marketing. Franchisees access integrated operating systems, the Potbelly Perks digital platform, and a franchisee intranet. Resale buyers should confirm with Potbelly what owner training and system access transfers at sale.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Potbelly's franchise model is structured around multi-unit operators experienced in managing restaurant or retail teams across several locations. Franchisees are expected to oversee performance and growth across their portfolio; hands-on leadership is encouraged but daily operational involvement is not required. Prior restaurant management experience, P&L responsibility, and local marketing skills are preferred though not mandatory. Strong customer service orientation and willingness to engage with the local business community are central to the candidate profile.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Potbelly has received consistent recognition across franchise and restaurant industry rankings. In 2025, the brand was ranked #336 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, #137 on the Franchise Times Top 400 (up from #139), #99 on Nation's Restaurant News Top 500, and #23 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers. QSR Magazine also recognised Potbelly among its Best Brands to Work For. In 2026, the brand was named to Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for a second consecutive year. For resale buyers, brand-level recognition and improving unit economics are useful signals alongside local territory performance.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US fast-casual restaurant market is projected to grow by $84.5 billion between 2025 and 2029, at a CAGR of 13.7% (Technavio), driven by consumer demand for convenient, customisable, quality food. The sandwich segment benefits from high lunchtime visit frequency and growing catering demand, which supports recurring revenue across locations. Digital ordering and loyalty programme penetration continue to reshape how fast-casual brands retain customers. For resale buyers, a unit's foot traffic profile, proximity to office or campus customers, and digital order volume are practical indicators of demand that complement the wider market trend.

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