Potbelly Beefs Up Its Franchising Goals for 2019

With 478 locations, Potbelly has set its sights on bolstering its presence in the U.S. and internationally. However, out of its current amount of locations, only 41 restaurants are franchised. Potbelly franchise developers are looking to turn the tides, decreasing the amount of corporate locations and increasing the amount of franchised sites.

Vice President of franchise development, Peter Ortiz told QSR Magazine that the brand has a long-term goal of 2,000–2,500 stores worldwide. According to Ortiz, corporate growth will still continue, but the company has changed its focus to franchising in order to achieve that dream.

As a means to attract more attention and potential franchisees, Potbelly is promoting their “underground” menu transformation as well as the ability for franchisees to come aboard the brand without worrying about marketing.

According to Ortiz, Potbelly presents franchisees with “brand awareness that doesn’t need a bulletin board to get the message out” and that potential owners will always be excited to know the brand will be successful, instead of hoping for it to take off in a new location.

Potbelly and Ortiz, in particular, are dedicated to ensuring that the company’s franchising is set up for sustainable, long-term growth.