Potbelly Ranked in the Top Third of Franchises on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 41st Annual Franchise 500® List

CHICAGO – Potbelly announced today that it has been named to Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® list, considered the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Potbelly was ranked #131 on the list, firmly placing it in the top third of franchises listed.

The recognition received by Potbelly highlights the momentum behind its franchise opportunity. Last year, Potbelly signed several multi-unit deals that, when fully built out, will total over 40 new shops and will nearly double its franchise footprint.

“Being recognized by Entrepreneur with this ranking is a testament to our strong brand and the strides we made last year with our franchising initiative,” said Peter Ortiz, Vice President of Franchise Development at Potbelly. “We signed major multi-unit deals and attracted world-class operators to our system. We’re excited to continue this momentum in 2020!”

The key factors that go into the ranking include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points. The 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”

As Potbelly grows throughout the United States, the brand is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified multi-unit groups who are looking to add another potent concept to their portfolios. Currently, there are more than 440 corporate and franchise Potbelly shops in the United States.

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Potbelly’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

About Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers’ smiles with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes and other fresh menu items, customized just the way customers want them, for more than 40 years. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country - with more than 400 company-owned shops in the United States. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate over 40 shops in the United States.

About Entrepreneur Media Inc.

For 40 years, Entrepreneur Media Inc. has been serving the entrepreneurial community providing comprehensive coverage of business and personal success through original content and events. Entrepreneur magazine, Entrepreneur site, and publishing imprint Entrepreneur Press provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide.

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