Introduction
Eat This Not That is excited to report that a struggling sandwich chain is planning a huge comeback with 2,000 locations. This chain has been around for decades, but has recently been struggling to keep up with the competition. However, the chain is now planning a major expansion, with plans to open 2,000 new locations in the next few years. This is great news for sandwich lovers everywhere, as the chain is known for its delicious sandwiches and unique flavors. We can’t wait to see what this chain has in store for us!
This Struggling Sandwich Chain Is Planning a Huge Comeback With 2,000 Locations
It looks like the sandwich chain that has been struggling for years is finally making a comeback. The chain, which has been around for decades, is planning to open up 2,000 new locations in the next few years. This is great news for sandwich lovers everywhere, as the chain has some of the best sandwiches around.
The chain is known for its unique sandwiches, which are made with fresh ingredients and unique flavors. They also offer a variety of sides, such as chips, salads, and soups. The chain also offers a variety of breakfast items, such as breakfast sandwiches and burritos. The chain also offers catering services for special events.
The chain is also planning to expand its menu to include more vegan and vegetarian options. This is great news for those who are looking for healthier options when it comes to sandwiches. The chain is also planning to offer delivery services, which will make it even easier for customers to get their favorite sandwiches.
The chain is also planning to open up more locations in different parts of the country. This will make it easier for customers to find their favorite sandwiches no matter where they are. The chain is also planning to offer discounts and promotions to customers who visit their locations.
This struggling sandwich chain is definitely making a comeback and it looks like it’s going to be a big one. With 2,000 new locations opening up in the next few years, sandwich lovers everywhere will be able to enjoy some of the best sandwiches around. So if you’re looking for a delicious sandwich, make sure to check out this chain.
As was the case with many of its peers, the once-beloved neighborhood sandwich shop Potbelly struggled heavily during the pandemic. Kicking 2021 off with mass closures of 28 locations, it seemed that the Chicago-based brand was on a downward spiral that would be hard to interrupt. However, the tides are turning for the unsteady sandwich purveyor, which now plans to make up for those closures with hundreds of new locations.
Potbelly’s Chief Development Officer Larry Strain told QSR Magazine the brand is positioned for massive growth in the coming years. The goal? To grow its more than 400 restaurants across 30 states to a nationwide footprint of 2,000. And it plans on getting there thanks to a new Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative, a massive franchising push that will add new operators to the chain’s network.
Related: 8 Worst Fast-Food Burgers to Stay Away From Right Now
Coming out of the pandemic, Potbelly has seen evident growth from downsizing its menu and pivoting its business model toward digital. In the fourth quarter of 2021, its same-store sales grew 33.8% over the same time period in 2020, marking a remarkable recovery.
Potbelly has upgraded its app, website, online ordering system, and loyalty program. Prior to this, the sandwich chain relied on foot traffic and was strategically placed in urban locations and near airports—all of which were hit the hardest during the pandemic lockdown. Now, since its technology revamp, the company has reported that 36% of its orders come through digitally.
“Digital really is here to stay,” Strain told QSR Magazine in an interview. “And that’s something we’ve focused on in a big way. If there’s one positive aspect of COVID, it’s that it helped restaurant companies better understand the importance of digital ordering, and that’s something we’ve taken head-on.”
Potbelly capitalized on having a niche in the fast-food realm. The sandwich chain was loved by customers for having a neighborhood appeal, where some locations even offered live music performances by local musicians during lunch hours. An antique-store-turned-sandwich shop, Potbelly kept a rustic interior and was slower to modernize. When it finally opened its first drive-thru in 2007, McDonald’s had already had one for 60 years.
The chain will continue to specialize in its oven-toasted sandwiches and “good vibe culture,” according to Strain, but will also highlight soups, salads, mac and cheese, hand-dipped shakes, and baked fresh daily cookies. Additionally, the brand intends to keep its expansive catering program.
Continue reading with 9 Secrets America’s Most Controversial Fast-Food Chain Doesn’t Want You To Know, although you may not want to peek behind this curtain.
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Amber Lake