---
title: "Potbelly Sandwich Shop Opens in Columbus’ University District"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/90471593-aa7a-4ac8-8da5-5252a66e90ab
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20250113_potbelly_sandwich_shop_opens_in_columbus_university_district.html
category: "Sandwich & sub"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Sandwich & sub"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2025-01-13T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T19:13:31.487Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Potbelly Sandwich Shop Opens in Columbus’ University District

**TL;DR:** Potbelly Sandwich Shop has opened a new location in Columbus' University District near The Ohio State University campus. The shop is operated by Royal Restaurant Group, a multi-unit Potbelly owner and operator.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2025-01-13. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20250113_potbelly_sandwich_shop_opens_in_columbus_university_district.html).*

## Story

“Our Potbelly Sandwich Shops in Columbus have become cherished parts of the neighborhoods we serve, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Robert Negron, Chief Operating Officer for Royal Restaurant Group, the multi-unit Potbelly owner and operator opening the University District shop. “Being right on the doorstep of The Ohio State University, we’re excited to bring our signature toasty sandwiches, fresh salads, shop-baked cookies, and hand-dipped shakes to the vibrant Buckeye community. Columbus is a city full of energy, pride, and tradition, and we look forward to creating meaningful moments for students, faculty, guests and of course the Buckeye sports team faithful.

It’s a city we love being a part of and giving back to, because it has embraced us so warmly.”

Each of the first 100 guests will receive a free cookie and 15% of all sales during the grand opening weekend (January 18-19) will be donated to The Ohio State University Student Life Food Pantry, which serves the 15% of students facing food insecurity.

The new shop will also incorporate community touches, featuring an art exhibit with the history of Brutus Buckeye, the mascot of Ohio State University, connecting the restaurant’s essence with The Ohio State University culture.

Negron and Royal Restaurant Group currently operate four other successful Potbelly locations in the Columbus market, including Dublin, Polaris and within the city. The company also operates dozens of Burger King restaurants across the country.

Regular operating hours are from 9 AM to 11 PM Sunday through Wednesday and 9 AM to 12 midnight Thursday through Saturday.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- restaurant opening (topic)
- new location (topic)
- community involvement (topic)
- Burger King (company)
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop (company)
- Royal Restaurant Group (company)
- The Ohio State University (location)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20250113_potbelly_sandwich_shop_opens_in_columbus_university_district.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/90471593-aa7a-4ac8-8da5-5252a66e90ab).