A national sandwich chain that has yet to break into the South Sound is about to change that.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Chicago-based Potbelly Corp. announced in a news release that it was expanding its presence to include not only King County but Pierce and Thurston counties, bringing its total to 22 sites in the region.
The expansion is the result of a new deal signed with Sound Sandwich LLC, a locally based franchisee. Representatives for the LLC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"The agreement includes the transfer of ownership of nine existing restaurants. Additionally, the franchisee will develop 13 new units in King, Pierce, and Thurston counties over the next eight years," Potbelly said in its release.
Potbelly's current Washington Potbelly Sandwich Shop locations include Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton and Seattle.
The restaurant chain started in 1977 in Chicago, and its name refers to old-time potbelly stoves. Its menu includes a variety of toasted meat-based sandwiches (as well as a veggie melt, peanut butter and jelly sandwich and grilled cheese), fresh-baked cookies and hand-dipped shakes, among other items.
The chain has approximately 425 locations nationwide, including about 75 franchised locations. The company has a long-term goal of creating 2,000 sites, with at least 85% of them operated as franchises.
"We're thrilled to put the Potbelly experience within the reach of more people in the Seattle-Tacoma region," said Bob Wright, president and CEO of Potbelly in the Nov. 15 release. "This is a market that performs well but is significantly under-penetrated right now."
Sound Sandwich LLC partners have expertise "owning, operating, and developing a portfolio of multi-unit, interstate operations, including hotels, travel centers, and restaurants," according to Potbelly.
"It's always a pleasure working with proven franchisees that share our excitement and vision for the Potbelly brand," said Lynette McKee, Senior Vice President of Franchising at Potbelly in the release. "We are excited about the great potential this agreement offers us, and we look forward to working closely with such a fantastic partner to continue our growth momentum in Washington state."
No further details were available on where future sites in Pierce or Thurston counties would be located.
The new sites will join the rush of other chains entering and/or expanding in the area, including Super Chix with a new site near the Tacoma Mall; Jollibee at the Tacoma Mall; Big Chicken at Westgate North Shopping Center; and a drive-thru Chick-fil-A planned in the Puyallup area.
