NORMAN — Potbelly Sandwich Shop recently announced it is providing Norman investors the opportunity to own and operate their own stores through a new franchising program.

Mike Walters, franchise zone manager for Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said the company’s top priority will be maintaining the brand’s “vibe and heritage” as it makes its way into Norman.

“Local ownership in Norman with qualified, hometown entrepreneurs will be the best way for us to continue to deliver the extraordinary experience and food our customers have grown to expect during the last 10-plus years,” Walters said. “Our fans have voiced their opinion and there is strong demand for Potbelly in Norman.

“We’re prepared to meet the demand and provide individuals with the opportunity to open their own Potbelly.”

The sandwich shop started off as an antique shop that offered food to its customers, but has grown to more than 200 company-owned and operated stores in a dozen or so states.

As Potbelly expands, Norman serves as an ideal market for the company’s franchising initiative. The close proximity to its current operations permits implementation of brand standards in operations, marketing and purchasing, Walters said, adding that Potbelly will support its franchisees with thorough training, in and out of store.

Franchisees will tap into the company’s Hubbard Workshop, where store furniture and décor is created and obtained.

“The look and feel of our shops conveys a culture and tradition that is unique to Potbelly,” Walters said. “Our store owners will also introduce local artifacts and quirky décor to give their stores even more hometown character.”

Gregg Cebrzynski, a company spokesman, said Potbelly — which already has plans for one Norman location set to open next year — is seeking franchise investors, including qualified married couples and life partner teams who are sincere about integrating Potbelly into the Norman community.

Each store will have about 25 employees, Walters said.

NORMAN — Potbelly Sandwich Shop recently announced it is providing Norman investors the opportunity to own and operate their own stores through a new franchising program.

Mike Walters, franchise zone manager for Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said the company’s top priority will be maintaining the brand’s “vibe and heritage” as it makes its way into Norman.

“Local ownership in Norman with qualified, hometown entrepreneurs will be the best way for us to continue to deliver the extraordinary experience and food our customers have grown to expect during the last 10-plus years,” Walters said. “Our fans have voiced their opinion and there is strong demand for Potbelly in Norman.

“We’re prepared to meet the demand and provide individuals with the opportunity to open their own Potbelly.”

The sandwich shop started off as an antique shop that offered food to its customers, but has grown to more than 200 company-owned and operated stores in a dozen or so states.

As Potbelly expands, Norman serves as an ideal market for the company’s franchising initiative. The close proximity to its current operations permits implementation of brand standards in operations, marketing and purchasing, Walters said, adding that Potbelly will support its franchisees with thorough training, in and out of store.

Franchisees will tap into the company’s Hubbard Workshop, where store furniture and décor is created and obtained.

“The look and feel of our shops conveys a culture and tradition that is unique to Potbelly,” Walters said. “Our store owners will also introduce local artifacts and quirky décor to give their stores even more hometown character.”

Gregg Cebrzynski, a company spokesman, said Potbelly — which already has plans for one Norman location set to open next year — is seeking franchise investors, including qualified married couples and life partner teams who are sincere about integrating Potbelly into the Norman community.

Each store will have about 25 employees, Walters said.

www.potbelly.com

There are Potbelly's all over DC and I have to say having one in Norman is a good start. They are like a cross between Quiznos and Which Wich, just higher quality than both overall for a comparable price. Yummmmm.

Yea it will be the first one in state of Oklahoma...

Maybe they can put a Potbelly's in where Quizno's used to be on Rockwell and the NW Exp?

There is rumored a Potbelly's coming to Stillwater.

The name doesn't seem a good one for people watching their weight, but judging from the significant number of people I see going around with a pot belly, not many people are.

Used to eat at the Potbelly in Midway Airport when I was flying in & out of Chicago regularly.

Great Sandwich shop!

I thought this or Einstein Bros. Bagels would be a perfect fit for the space in the Boomer Theatre next to Chipotle on Asp. I was extremely disappointed to see a Subway go there instead. The old Pepe Delgado's space is still vacant though but may be too big.

Cafe Plaid, Bison Witches, Gourmet Deli, La Baguette, City Bites, and Pennyhill Subs are all better and owned locally. Support local business.

Cafe Plaid, Bison Witches, Gourmet Deli, La Baguette, City Bites, and Pennyhill Subs are all better and owned locally. Support local business.

I agree, but if there was going to be a new chain in Campus Corner I want it to be something not already just half a mile away or better yet something new to Oklahoma.

I agree, but if there was going to be a new chain in Campus Corner I want it to be something not already just half a mile away or better yet something new to Oklahoma. Agree! Potbelly are great sandwiches. Also heard Genghis Grill is coming to Norman. CC would be a great location!

I've never had a Potbelly's. For now, I'll stick with the Big Kahuna at Jersey Mike's!

Pennyhill is the best.

This place looks identical to Which Wich.

I had a Potbelly sandwich yesterday. There's one 2 blocks from my Plano condo. If you're familiar with Shops at Legacy, it's right on Legacy Drive across the street from Jamba Juice just east of Bishop. They're incredible sandwiches. I'm back in OKC today and just talking about it makes me hungry for one, but I'll have to wait another month or so.

Don't know their food, but if it's opened by locals who operate under a franchise agreement, their customers would be supporting a local business.

Man I love Potbelly's. Too bad I live in Florida now. This would be a good addition to Norman.

Yum!!!!

I tried Potbelly for the first time in Chicago 4 years ago and it was really good. Super excited

i ate at potbellys and although the sandwiches are good and all, you simply dont get enough food for the buck.

that being said, i found them to be rather expensive considering the small amount of food you get for the price. better deals can be had at quiznos, subway, jersey mikes, or other similiar sub shops.

the whole name of the place.."potbellys", is misleading to consumer because you get the impression youre gonna get a huge sandwich thats gonna leave you walking out of the restaurant with a potbelly, but the only way youre gonna accomplish that goal is to have an empty wallet.

It appears Chicago based Potbelly Sandwiches are scouting for locations in the OKC area.




http://newsok.com/window-shopping-retail-briefs-may-8/article/4747210

This is great! I ate there way too much when I lived in Dallas.

Nice! They're in my weekly rotation here in CLE. They're also very prone to vibrant downtown locations.

Agree, nice to have other choices for quick lunch...they make great cookies too!

Great news. Their soups are very good

I'm a fan.

All these wonderful chowdowns are opening up and my list of what I should eat and drink is narrowing down. Timing is everything.

Just finishing up mine from the DT Seattle shop...:tongue:

This will be a nice alternative to Subway or City Bites. Can't wait for it to open. I will probably be a regular.

This will be a nice alternative to Subway or City Bites. Can't wait for it to open. I will probably be a regular.

Ever tried Jersey Mike's? Someplace Else? Schlotzsky's? Neptune's? Jimmy John's?

Potbelly will be great, but we do have other options to the two you mentioned.

Ever tried Jersey Mike's? Someplace Else? Schlotzsky's? Neptune's? Jimmy John's?

Potbelly will be great, but we do have other options to the two you mentioned.

Not a fan of Jimmy John's or Jersey Mike's. I'll have to give Someplace Else a try. I see it all the time but have never stopped.

Not a fan of Jimmy John's or Jersey Mike's. I'll have to give Someplace Else a try. I see it all the time but have never stopped.

I like me some Jersey Mike's. If Potbelly is better, yay!

Hobbys Hoagies (http://hobbyshoagies.com/)

Potbelly is very good. I have a couple of times gone out of my way to eat at the one on Belt Line in Addison when in DFW.

Jersey Mike's is pretty friggin' tasty for a chain sub place. Hobbys Hoagies is delicious as is Someplace Else. Jimmy Johns is absolute junk. Potbelly will be a welcome addition. It usually makes the rotation when I'm in DC.

http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=313-Torchy-s-Tacos-Potbelly-Sandwiches-coming-to-Chisholm-Creek

NIce.. I like potbelly sandwiches. I eat there now and then when in Dallas.

NIce.. I like potbelly sandwiches. I eat there now and then when in Dallas.

What distinguishes it from the other sandwich chains?

when it comes down to the food I guess its all preference. I prefer it to most the other chains but I don't really care for Jersey Mikes and Subway is just ok I guess. The interior is kind of Old antique store/ general store looking as you can imagine with Potbelly as the name and many of the locations I have been to especially in the Chicago area usually have live music my local musicians during peek lunch and dinner service.

when it comes down to the food I guess its all preference. I prefer it to most the other chains but I don't really care for Jersey Mikes and Subway is just ok I guess. The interior is kind of Old antique store/ general store looking as you can imagine with Potbelly as the name and many of the locations I have been to especially in the Chicago area usually have live music my local musicians during peek lunch and dinner service.

I love Potbelly. Excellent news.

Very good sandwiches and good milkshakes. Good quality.,

Yeah I like Potbelly too. I used to eat at the one on Belt Line in Addison back when The Container Store was nearby. Now that CS is over by the Galleria I don't have as much opportunity. But it's a good place for sure.

To answer Pete's question, first of all they are toasted. Places like Subway and Jersey Mikes treat toasted as an afterthought, and their menus are really built around cold sandwiches. Also, I prefer their bread to just about any other place. It's simple but has great texture and flavor. And I think they do soups better than just about any other sandwich chain.

Nice addition for CC, as far as chain shops go,

I'm sure this means more Potbelly locations in OKC, as they have a bunch of them in DFW.

We went often when visiting friends in Ft. Worth. While I do like Jersey Mikes, I agree that this is up there as far as chain sandwich shops go.

This is great news! Now if only we could get a Sweet Tomatoes location, I would be a happy camper. :D

This is great news! Now if only we could get a Sweet Tomatoes location, I would be a happy camper. :D

Yah I have been wanting one of those for a while!. Jason's Deli is about the only Salad Bar that I like to hit on occasion and would love a Sweet Tomatoes option. Souper Salad was good when they opened then went down hill fast before closing.

any idea when this expected to open?

Probably a few months away. They are still doing dirk work.

Potbelly Sandwiches to open first Oklahoma locations (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=361-Potbelly-Sandwiches-to-open-first-Oklahoma-locations)

Chicago chain Potbelly Sandwich Shop is set to open the first of two Oklahoma City locations.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/rockwellpotbelly2.jpg


The first that will open is located at 8500 N. Rockwell, next to Starbucks Coffee facing NW Expresway.

And as we first reported in August ((http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=313-Torchy-s-Tacos-Potbelly-Sandwiches-coming-to-Chisholm-Creek) Potbelly will be joining Starbucks and Torchy's Tacos in the Westgate development at Chisholm Creek.

Potbelly has over 400 locations in the U.S. And these will be the first in the state of Oklahoma.

Potbelly prides itself of fresh ingredients served in a friendly environment.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/potbellyrockwelL1.jpg

I'm stoked. I love Potbelly.

That's where the which wich was, right?

That's where the which wich was, right?

Correct.

That spot is determined to make it work as a Sandwich shop.. it was Quiznos.. then Which Wich.. now potbellys!

Hearing rumors there is going to be a Potbelly's going in on 19th Street in Moore.... Appears to be going in the new building being built just west of the Del Taco.

I love me some Potbelly. They have this knack of making the sandwich so I get a bite of everything in every bite. Not like subway where I will get huge mouthfulls of just tomato and mustard. Ugh. I miss being able to get A Wreck at lunch. And I may be wrong but I believe they served closed container alcohol, at least in Dallas that I recall. I can't remember at the one I went to in Chicago.

Potbelly started out as an antique store in Chicago that started selling toasted sandwiches, which is why the decor is the way it is. They used an antique potbelly stove. It just blew up and the rest is history. And they kept the live music at lunch as mentioned before, where and when it is possible.

Opened since Monday.

Potbelly will be one of the tenants in the new strip next to Del Taco.

I had lunch there yesterday and I thought it was just okay. Not as good as Jersey Mikes or Firehouse.

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42460&p=994785#post994785

Chisholm Creek location is open as of 10/1.