Potbelly Corp.'s Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative, launched in 2019, is helping the brand move toward its goal of reaching 2,000 units over the next 10 years.

The chain, which said 85% of those 2,000 shops will be franchised, has signed an agreement with an existing franchisee, STA Management, to bring 14 shops to the Tampa area, as well as a five-unit deal with Rob Wilbern for the Champaign-Springfield-Decatur areas in Central Illinois, according to a press release.

"Our new shop development area agreements come at an eventful time for us at Potbelly," Bob Wright, CEO of Potbelly, said in the release. "They are consistent with our multi-unit franchise development strategy and in line with what we're looking to accomplish with our previously announced Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative. We are very excited to execute these development deals with such high-quality franchisees and we look forward to sharing other deals as they are signed."

Ronnie Asmar, franchisee and partner at STA Management, owns two Potbellys and is excited to add to the number.

"It has been such an excellent fit for us with the experience we already bring to the table within the restaurant industry," he said in the release. "Plus, it is incredibly rewarding to see how much our customers love the brand. We can't wait to bring more good vibes and toasty sandwiches to Tampa."

Illinois-based Wilbern, who runs a CPA firm, an automotive dealership and several other businesses, is also looking forward to bringing Potbelly to his communities.

"The support of the leadership team is what drew me to Potbelly; I was looking at a couple of different franchise opportunities and did a good amount of research," he said in the release. "Potbelly stood out among the rest. Plus, the quality of food and extensive menu is unmatched. With a large student population and active residential and business community in the area, we're confident Potbelly's toasty sandwiches and robust rewards programs will be a hit."

Ideal franchise candidates should be able to meet the required financial criteria, have restaurant operations experience, strong entrepreneurial skill sets, focused and driven problem-solving skills and enjoy working with others. Operators may benefit from the sandwich concept's flexible store designs including inline, endcap, drive-thru and non-traditional locations, which are equipped with tech-enabled enhancements to foster in-store, take-out and delivery dining, according to the release.

Potbelly also plans to franchise nearly 25% of its corporate shops and has partnered with REEF, a virtual restaurant, logistics and proximity company in North America, to grow its virtual footprint.

Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to 400 company-owned shops as well as 40 franchised locations in the U.S.

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