Staffing

Potbelly names Jennifer Durham SVP franchising, development

Photo: Potbelly

November 20, 2025

Potbelly has hired Jennifer Durham to be senior vice president of franchising and development. She will accelerate franchise recruitment and overseeing market planning, real estate, design and construction strategies. Her leadership aims to advance Potbelly toward its goal of reaching more than 2,000 locations nationwide.

Durham brings over two decades of restaurant and franchise industry experience, blending expertise in finance, IT, operations and development.

"Her leadership experience and depth of expertise will position the brand for continued growth and momentum across new and existing markets," said President Adam Noyes, who was recently promoted from COO and previously worked with Durham at Checkers & Rally's.

"As we enter an extraordinary phase of franchise growth, Jennifer is a fantastic fit to guide development at Potbelly," he said in a company press release.

Durham began her career as a certified public accountant with KPMG before transitioning to the restaurant sector. She held executive roles in finance and IT at Checkers & Rally's, where she later served as senior vice president and chief development officer. More recently, she led development teams at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

The appointment follows the recently finalized RaceTrac acquisition and comes as Potbelly plans more than 30 shop openings in 2025. The brand operates over 450 total locations, including more than 100 franchised shops. Potbelly has over 800 locations open or committed through development agreements.

"Joining Potbelly during this remarkable time presents an ideal opportunity to leverage momentum and accelerate with a strategy that optimizes the brand's franchise growth potential," Durham said in the release. "Potbelly's more than $1.3 million average unit volumes and ample territories make it a compelling proposition, and my focus will be on optimizing the initial investment and advancing our development support to ensure both our franchise partners and company teams have the resources and support needed to thrive."

Potbelly is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified multi-unit restaurant groups seeking to diversify into the sandwich segment.