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Potbelly Sandwich Shop plans major expansion in Tampa and St. Pete

Photo via Potbelly Sandwich Shop (FB)

Potbelly is moving swiftly on its Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative with two signed agreements that will bring a total of 14 new shops to the Tampa, Florida area. This sandwich shop does way more than just tasty subs. Potbelly Sandwich Shop serves up wild cold brew shakes, lemon cheesecake cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip dream bars and huge breakfast sandwiches. 

“Our new Shop Development Area Agreements come at an eventful time for us at Potbelly,” said Bob Wright, CEO of Potbelly. “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.”

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STA Management is the owner/operator group set to open the 14 locations in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area throughout the next five years. 

Photo via Potbelly Sandwich Shop (FB)

Potbelly expands with new drive-thru sandwich shops

The group already has two Potbelly locations in the area – one is on Falkenburg Road and the other is in the retail and restaurant center adjacent to Raymond James Stadium and George Steinbrenner Field. The group is well-equipped to oversee the restaurants as multi-brand owners and operators of more than 60 restaurant locations.

“Having two successful Potbelly locations already, we knew it was time to sign on for more,” said Ronnie Asmar, franchisee and partner at STA Management. “It has been such an excellent fit for us with the experience we already bring to the table within the restaurant industry. 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!”

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A popular national mainstay widely celebrated for its iconic toasty sandwiches and friendly atmosphere, Potbelly thrives in areas such as Tampa and Champaign-Springfield-Decatur. The brand is aligning with talented owner/operator groups as part of a strategic franchise initiative targeting attractive markets across the country.

trays of sandwiches arranged on a wood table
Photo via Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Opening up franchise opportunities in Florida

As part of the Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative, Potbelly plans to reach 2,000 units with at least 85% of those being franchised shops over the next 10 years. The brand also plans to refranchise approximately 25% of its corporate shops. Earlier this year, Potbelly announced a strategic partnership with REEF, the largest operator of virtual restaurants, logistics and proximity hubs in North America. That partnership along with the two deals announced today put Potbelly firmly on its way.

For more information on Potbelly franchise opportunities, visit their website.

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