TL;DR
Potbelly has signed a development agreement with PB Delaware LLC to open up to four shops in Maryland and Delaware. The agreement marks the brand's expansion into the Mid-Atlantic market, with the first shop slated to open in late June in Middletown, Delaware.
Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop known for its craveable menu and community-driven atmosphere, announced that PB Delaware LLC has signed a development agreement to open up to four shops across Maryland and Delaware, expanding the brand’s footprint into a key Mid-Atlantic market.
Last year, PB Delaware LLC signed a two-shop development agreement with the brand, and now, its first shop is slated to open in late June in Middletown, Delaware, marking the brand’s first official entry into the state.
“The more we’ve immersed ourselves in the Potbelly brand, the more interested we have become in finding additional development opportunities. Nothing we’ve seen in the sandwich category compares to Potbelly because of the quality of the food and the strength of the brand,” said PB Delaware LLC. “As we prepare to enter the market, the Potbelly team has been incredibly hands-on throughout the process.
Their step-by-step guidance has made development seamless and has given us confidence as we continue to work toward opening our first shop and introducing the brand to the Middletown community and Northern Delaware.”
PB Delaware LLC began exploring Potbelly franchise opportunities after evaluating multiple restaurant concepts in search of a brand with both a strong legacy and clear growth potential. The franchise group was first introduced to Potbelly during a visit to Maryland, where it quickly developed a deep appreciation for the brand’s toasty sandwiches and welcoming atmosphere. Building on its early momentum and enthusiasm for the brand, PB Delaware LLC recognized the opportunity to introduce Potbelly to a new market and deepen its development plans across the region.
Potbelly has been serving neighborhoods for nearly 50 years, offering its signature lineup of toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes and baked cookies in an environment designed to reflect the local community. With nearly 470 shops nationwide and plans to cross the 500-shop threshold in 2026, the brand continues to expand through both company and franchise development in high-potential markets across the country.
In this story
This story was originally published by Ben Coley in QSR Magazine on April 22, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.
Read the full story at QSR MagazineLiked this? Get the week's franchise news, explained
- Sunday 8 AM ET weekly + a monthly deep dive
- Sections picked for the industries you follow
- Every claim linked to its source. Free.