Potbelly (NASDAQ:PBPB) (NASDAQ: PBPB) is a fast‐casual restaurant chain headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in made-to-order toasted sandwiches, soups, salads and shakes. The company operates company-owned and franchised stores under the Potbelly Sandwich Works brand, serving freshly prepared menu items alongside coffee and baked goods in a relaxed, neighborhood café environment.
The first Potbelly shop opened in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood in 1977, and the concept expanded through franchising beginning in the mid-1990s. Potbelly completed its initial public offering in 2013, using the capital raised to support unit growth, remodel existing locations and develop new digital ordering capabilities including mobile and delivery partnerships.
Today, Potbelly operates more than 300 locations across the United States, with a concentration in urban and suburban markets and select international licensing agreements in the Middle East. Stores feature community-oriented décor and a menu that emphasizes made-from-scratch soups, signature sandwiches like the “Tuna Melt” and seasonal promotions designed to drive repeat visits.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Doty, who was appointed in 2019, the company has prioritized operational efficiency, technology-driven guest engagement and menu innovation. Potbelly continues to refine its store format and digital platforms to support long-term growth in existing markets and targeted new trade areas.
