Fresh City Kitchen vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Fresh City Kitchen vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $726,000 - $1,140,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded 19971977
Year Franchised 20032009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 25% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Potbelly is looking for "Potbelly People" to become franchisees. That means people that love working with a team, have solid business experience (not necessarily in restaurants), the financial qualifications, possess personal motivation and have been successful. Our franchise owner/operator model is a two person team. Whether a family partnership or a business partnership we are looking for an operating team that wants to be owners of the neighborhood sandwich shop within their community.

    Financing Options

     
    Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
    Equipment No/No-/Yes
    Inventory No/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    Training -

    All new franchisees participate in a 10-12 week training program. This consists of real life experience in one of our company-owned training shops. In addition, we will train your key holding employees for 6 weeks at one of our company-owned training shops. Once completed, franchisees receive regular updates to their training along with our company-owned stores, including regular on site reviews. On-The-Job Training: 355 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours

    Support

    A Fresh City consultant will be on location at your restaurant prior to the soft opening, to guide you through the first few days of business, and to assist in planning your grand opening. The Fresh City Franchise team will offer ongoing business consultation, and will share best practices as well as manuals and other training materials, as you grow your business.

    Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Fresh City will assist you in growing your business through the strategic and tactical implementation of Fresh City branding, marketing, and promotions. You will be provided with materials and programs to help you begin positioning your Fresh City restaurant in your community. Additionally, the Fresh City community support and service program -"Thinking Fresh" - will help make your franchise the neighborhood restaurant of choice.Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Fresh City Kitchen

    Fresh City restaurants are meccas for guests seeking alternatives to fast food. We are pleased to invite you to join their innovative franchise concept. With cutting edge locations in multiple states, Fresh City is growing to meet the needs of today's consumers seeking lifestyle alternatives. Fresh City is actively seeking experienced multi-unit operators with proven expertise in the food service industry. Fresh City franchisees must be experts in their markets, be willing to work diligently and commit to leading a team that will execute a dynamic restaurant. We seek franchisees who possess integrity, are respected amongst peers and colleagues, and share Fresh City's core business values and commitment to give back to their communities. Fresh City franchisees must have sufficient liquid net worth and demonstrate the ability to raise capital adequately to fund their development

    About Potbelly Sandwich Shop

    From its humble beginnings as a small antique store on Chicago's North Side, Potbelly has grown from one to more than 200 shops serving neighborhoods in 12 states. Potbelly's unique experience is defined by its combination of toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, tasty made-to-order salads, live local music, as well as friendly and lively people. Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of fans that spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food.

    #131 in Franchise 500 for 2020.