Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a beloved fast casual restaurant franchise known for its toasted sandwiches, hand dipped shakes, and warm, neighborhood feel. The brand, backed by parent company Potbelly Corporation, serves a menu of signature…
Total Investment
$597K – $892K
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Royalty Rate
6% of weekly Gross Sales Gross Sales
Total Units
446
Franchising Since
2009
🌻About Potbelly Sandwich Shop® Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a beloved fast casual restaurant franchise known for its toasted sandwiches, hand dipped shakes, and warm, neighborhood feel.
The brand, backed by parent company Potbelly Corporation, serves a menu of signature hot sandwiches, fresh salads, soups, and cookies in an inviting atmosphere often featuring live music.
The franchise fee is $40,000.
💰Potbelly Sandwich Shop® Franchise Cost & Fees
Minimum Investment
$597K
Average Investment
$744K
Maximum Investment
$892K
Fee Type
Amount
Notes
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000
One-time payment upon signing
Royalty Fee
6% of weekly Gross Sales of gross sales
Ongoing; paid monthly
Marketing/Ad Fund
3% of Shop's weekly Gross Sales (Brand Fund; may be increased up to 4%; total marketing obligations not to exceed 5%)
National brand fund
Total Investment Range
$596,950 – $891,700
Includes build-out, inventory, working capital
The investment range of $597K–$892K reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (6% of weekly Gross Sales) and marketing fee (3% of Shop's weekly Gross Sales (Brand Fund; may be increased up to 4%; total marketing obligations not to exceed 5%)) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
📋Investment Breakdown (Item 7)
Item
Low
High
Application Fee
$3,000
$3,000
Initial Franchise Fee (less Application Fee)
$37,000
$37,000
Construction / Leasehold Improvements
$250,000
$400,000
Architect Fee
$17,900
$28,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Signage
$43,000
$95,000
Equipment (including small-wares)
$100,000
$114,000
Point-of-Sale and Computer Systems
$53,000
$63,000
Opening Inventory
$11,000
$16,000
Market Introduction Program
$25,000
$25,000
Insurance (12 months)
$11,000
$18,000
Training Expenses
$15,000
$45,000
Professional Fees
$2,000
$5,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$250
$1,700
Office Equipment and Supplies
$800
$3,000
Additional Funds - 3 months
$25,000
$35,000
💵Additional Fees (Item 6)
Fee Type
Amount
Technology Fee
$0.10 per transaction processed through the online ordering system (Digital Technology Fee); $200-$225/month for Computer Systems Maintenance and Support (non-Drive Thru); $225-$250/month (Drive Thru)
Potbelly Sandwich Shop® does not make an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD. This means they do not disclose revenue, profit, or earnings data for franchised locations. Before investing, ask the franchisor directly for franchisee contact information so you can speak with existing owners about their actual financial performance.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop® does not include an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD. Contact information for current and former franchisees is listed in Item 20 of the FDD.
⚖Potbelly Sandwich Shop® Litigation & Risk Flags
✓
Clean Litigation RecordPotbelly Sandwich Shop® has no pending litigation actions listed in their FDD. There is also no bankruptcy history disclosed.
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
📈Potbelly Sandwich Shop® System Growth
Total Units
446
Franchised
45
Company-Owned
401
Potbelly Sandwich Shop® currently operates 45 franchised locations and 401 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
🇧State Registrations
Registered in 11 states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island
❓Potbelly Sandwich Shop® Franchise — FAQ
The total investment to open a Potbelly Sandwich Shop® franchise ranges from $596,950 to $891,700, per their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the initial franchise fee of $40,000. The investment covers build-out, inventory, equipment, signage, working capital, and other startup costs.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop® charges a royalty fee of 6% of weekly Gross Sales of gross sales, plus a 3% of Shop's weekly Gross Sales (Brand Fund; may be increased up to 4%; total marketing obligations not to exceed 5%) contribution to the marketing/advertising fund. These fees are paid on an ongoing basis.
You can download the Potbelly Sandwich Shop® Franchise Disclosure Document free on this page. The FDD is a public document filed with state franchise registries. Always also request the current FDD directly from Potbelly Sandwich Shop® to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop® does not provide an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD, which means they do not disclose franchisee revenue or earnings data. Prospective investors should contact existing franchisees directly (listed in Item 20 of the FDD) to gather real-world financial performance information.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop® has been franchising since 2009. The FDD shows an investment range of $596,950-$891,700, a 6% of weekly Gross Sales royalty, and includes an Item 19 earnings disclosure. There is no pending litigation. Review the full FDD and contact current franchisees listed in Item 20 before making any investment decision.
The franchise fee is $40,000 and the total investment ranges from $596,950 to $891,700 depending on location size and market. Contact the franchisor directly for current net worth and liquid capital requirements, territory availability, and application details.
Get free info on this franchise. We will send you a detailed FDD report by email.
Data Source & Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to sell or buy a franchise. This profile is based on publicly available FDD data sourced from state franchise registry filings. All information is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Data may be outdated or contain errors. Always obtain the current FDD directly from Potbelly Sandwich Shop® and consult a qualified franchise attorney before making any investment decision. FranchiseOverview.com is operated by Franchising Compliance, LLC and is not affiliated with Potbelly Sandwich Shop® or any of its subsidiaries. To report an inaccuracy: info@franchiseoverview.com
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Potbelly Sandwich Shop®
Total Investment
$597K – $892K
💰 Costs & Fees
Franchise Fee$40,000
Royalty6% of weekly Gross Sales
Marketing Fee3% of Shop's weekly Gross Sales (Brand Fund; may be increased up to 4%; total marketing obligations not to exceed 5%)
FinancingNot Available
🏢 System Overview
Total Units446
Franchising Since2009
Earnings Claim (Item 19)Yes
📄 Contract Terms
⚖️ Legal & Risk
Pending LitigationClean
Bankruptcy HistoryNone
Download the Full Potbelly Sandwich Shop® FDD
2024 · Public Registry Document
Free · No paywall · Instant FDD report
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