Franchising

Potbelly adding North Carolina unit

January 26, 2021

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is opening this spring in Cary, North Carolina. Set to become the brand's third shop in the Triangle and the eighth in the state, the restaurant (1108 Parkside Main St.) is in the Parkside Town Commons shopping mall. Franchisees Mohit Kishore and Tulshi Bhakar recently finalized the lease for the shop, with plans to open in April.

"Community members in the Triangle have welcomed Potbelly with open arms over the last couple of years — first with our shop in Morrisville and then with our recent opening in Durham," Kishore said in a company press release. "We're excited to continue the momentum as we grow into Cary and even more of the community is introduced to our delicious sandwiches, soups and shakes."

In July 20202, Kishore and Bhakar opened a location in the Triangle in Durham, North Carolina, and also have one in Morrisville, North Carolina.. The group plans to open at least one more shop in the Raleigh/Durham market as part of its multi-unit franchise agreement.

"Through the successful openings of their first two locations in North Carolina, Mohit and Tulshi have proven that they are a great fit to open more locations in the area," Potbelly CEO Bob Wright said in the releae. "The pair's deep connection to the communities they operate in, coupled with Mohit's extensive background in the restaurant industry is a major component in how their shops have been able to perform. We're eager to see them serve customers in Cary next!"

In addition to the Triangle region, Potbelly is expanding through franchising along the eastern section of the state and down into South Carolina. Multi-unit franchisees Brent and Michele Brouse opened a location in Wilmington in July 2020 as part of their franchise deal that included plans for 13 shops in cities such as Fayetteville and Wilmington in North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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