Atlanta Welcomes Potbelly Sandwich Works: A Tasty Expansion on the Horizon
Atlanta, get ready to feast! Exciting news is popping up in the city as Potbelly Sandwich Works plans to expand its tasty offerings with a franchise agreement to bring not one, but 15 Potbelly locations to the vibrant Atlanta market. This venture will cover parts of Fulton and DeKalb counties, making sure that residents in these areas get a taste of Potbelly’s beloved sandwiches.
Who’s Behind the Dough?
The team behind this mouth-watering project is the Royal Restaurant Group, which isn’t just stopping at Atlanta. They’re also ramping up the flavor in other states, with plans to open 36 Potbelly locations across Florida and Ohio. According to Royal Restaurant Group’s CEO, Randy Pianin, they’re currently in discussions with several landlords to secure the first spots, aiming to have the initial location up and running by the end of 2025.
“I spend quite a bit of time in Atlanta,” shares Pianin, who is a proud graduate of Emory University. “I absolutely adore the area. It’s blossoming and provides the perfect atmosphere for restaurants. We’re confident that Potbelly will thrive here.”
A Flavorful Journey Through Time
For those who may not be familiar, Potbelly first opened its doors in Chicago back in 1977. Fast forward to 2002, when it ventured out of the Windy City to its first location in Washington D.C.. The brand has continued to grow and evolve, opening its first drive-thru in 2007 and expanding its menu to keep up with customer cravings. Today, there are more than 430 locations across the country, featuring a delightful range of toasted sub sandwiches that are sure to tickle your taste buds.
What’s Cooking on the Menu?
If you’re wondering what to expect from Potbelly’s menu, you’re in for a real treat! Pianin highlights the fan-favorite sandwich called The Wreck, which boasts a meaty mix of turkey, ham, roast beef, salami, and swiss cheese. However, it’s not just about sandwiches; Potbelly offers delightful salads, soups, and of course, those infamous cookies. Pianin raves about the chicken pot pie soup and declares that the sugar cookie is the best sugar cookie on earth. Now that’s a bold claim – and one that’s hard to resist!
Experience Meets Expansion
Pianin brings extensive experience to Potbelly, having served as the CEO of JAE Restaurant Group, which focuses on franchises with over 230 Wendy’s locations. His new company, Royal Restaurant Group, launched at the end of 2022 and already has a diverse portfolio that includes numerous Burger King restaurants alongside their budding Potbelly locations.
Potbelly’s Senior VP of Franchising, Lynette McKee, shared her excitement for the Atlanta expansion, noting that it’s a city they’ve always wanted to tap into. “While we have deep roots in metropolitan areas like Chicago, Dallas, and New York, we haven’t really established a presence in the Southeast until now,” McKee explained. “When Royal Restaurant Group expressed interest in Atlanta, it felt like music to our ears.”
Looking Forward to the Peach State
The franchise agreement in Atlanta is just one example of Potbelly’s strategy of forming multi-unit deals with experienced franchisee partners. McKee assures us that existing franchisees are showing interest in expanding, eager to take advantage of brand leadership and tried-and-true systems.
If you’re as excited as we are about the new Potbelly locations coming to Atlanta, keep an eye out for updates, as we’ll be following their journey closely. Who knows? Soon, you might be indulging in a delicious toasted sandwich right in your neighborhood!
