News

Potbelly bellies up to California dining scene

May 11, 2017

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is moving into the busy California restaurant scene, announcing that it has signed an agreement to open four sites over three years in southern Orange County, a news release said. 

The deal is the brand's first in California, representing the beginning of franchise growth planned for Southern California, the East Bay and Central Valley regions of the state.

"It’s a big deal to be the one bringing the first Potbelly to California, and I’m happy to have been chosen to do it as the state’s first franchisee," Franchisee Sameer Bhatia said in a news release. "I am a longtime fan of the brand myself and I can’t wait to watch the SoCal lunchtime crowd fall in love with Potbelly’s delicious sandwiches and neighborhood atmosphere."

Bhatia plans to open his first sandwich shop within a year in an Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or Lake Forest neighborhood.