News

Potbelly accelerates multi-unit franchise growth

August 1, 2019

Potbelly Corporation has signed three franchise agreements over the last six months that will nearly double its franchise footprint in Las Vegas, Nevada; Tampa, Florida, and the Carolinas. 

"The increased pace of franchising is a key component of Potbelly's growth strategy and is premised on partnering with experienced, well-capitalized multi-unit operators. Our reception in the franchise marketplace has been very encouraging," Potbelly Vice President of Franchise Development Peter Ortiz said in a company press release. "We have enjoyed a solid first two quarters, and with additional attractive regions still available, our momentum should continue to grow as we enter 2020."

The deals include:

• Las Vegas, Nevada, where the chain inked a multi-unit development deal with Eric Persson to open 10 shops. Persson is the co-founder and co-owner of Maverick Gaming LLC, a group that owns the Wendover Nugget, Red Garter Hotel, Red Lion Casino and the Gold Country Casino, all in northern Nevada. Additionally, Persson owns 40 stand-alone restaurants, including Tropical Smoothie Café, Qdoba and others, in the Las Vegas and Phoenix markets. 
• Tampa, Florida. Potbelly signed a 15-shop deal with a multi-unit group that owns and operates multiple franchise units. 
• The Carolinas. On the Eastern seaboard, entrepreneur Brent Brouse inked an agreement to open 13 shops in North and South Carolina in communities east of Interstate 95. Brouse's first shop will be in the college town of Wilmington, North Carolina. Brouse previously held leadership roles at Lettuce Entertain You Inc., a restaurant group based in Chicago that owns, manages and licenses more than 130 establishments in five states and Washington D.C. where he was responsible for opening several new concepts.

"We have been able to attract accomplished franchise partners that have considerable multi-unit experience and are looking for a unique concept with which to grow," CEO Alan Johnson said in the release. "Franchising is an important component of our future growth and I would like to commend our team on their early success and momentum in the first half of the year."

Since opening its first shop in 1977 in Chicago, Potbelly has expanded to 400 company-owned shops in the U.S. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate over 40 shops.