Potbelly Sandwich Shop Announces Historic First Franchise Agreement for California; Four Shops to Open in South Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – Potbelly Sandwich Shop announced today that it has signed an agreement to bring four shops over three years to South Orange County. The widely acclaimed neighborhood hangout features toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped milkshakes and live music, all making it “The Best Place for Lunch.” This agreement marks the first franchise deal the brand has signed in California, representing the beginning of franchise growth to occur throughout Southern California, the East Bay and Central Valley regions of the state.

Potbelly shops have earned a reputation in neighborhoods across the United States for having delicious food, local décor and a lively atmosphere. Sameer Bhatia, an experienced franchise owner and local resident, will be bringing Potbelly to the area.

“It’s a big deal to be the one bringing the first Potbelly to California, and I’m happy to have been chosen to do it as the state’s first franchisee,” said Bhatia. “I am a longtime fan of the brand myself and I can’t wait to watch the SoCal lunchtime crowd fall in love with Potbelly’s delicious sandwiches and neighborhood atmosphere.”

A former banker with a focus on the restaurant industry, Bhatia discovered Potbelly when it opened near his Manhattan office and it quickly became his favorite place for lunch in New York City. He made plans to franchise with the brand, and after moving to Southern California to open a Planet Fitness franchise, he had the opportunity to make his Potbelly dream a reality. With the newly signed Potbelly agreement, Bhatia plans to open his first sandwich shop within a year in a neighborhood within the towns of Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest or Mission Viejo. He will be opening four shops in total in the area over the next three years.

“We are so excited for Sameer and his team to bring Potbelly to California,” said Chris Birkinshaw, senior director of domestic franchising for Potbelly Sandwich Shop. “Sameer is the perfect person to establish Potbelly as the neighborhood hangout in South Orange County, and we’re confident that Californians will quickly come to love our food, our people and our local vibe.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop first opened in Chicago in 1977, and operates more than 400 shops across the United States. Franchisees operate more than 35 shops in the United States and abroad, and Potbelly plans to continue franchise growth in 2017.

For additional information about joining the Potbelly team or to learn more about the new Orange County locations, visit www.Potbelly.com.

About Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Corporation is a fast-growing neighborhood sandwich concept offering toasty warm sandwiches, signature salads and other fresh menu items served by engaging people in an environment that reflects the Potbelly brand. Our Vision is for our customers to feel that we are their "Neighborhood Sandwich Shop" and to tell others about their great experience. Our Mission is to make people really happy and to improve every day. Our Passion is to be "The Best Place for Lunch." The Company owns and operates more than 400 shops in the United States and our franchisees operate more than 35 shops domestically, in the Middle East and in the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit our website at www.Potbelly.com.