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Updated RecentlyMcDonald's vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of McDonald's vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $1,314,500 - $2,306,500 | $534,950 - $874,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | 4%+ | Up to 4% |
| Year Founded | 1955 | 1977 |
| Year Franchised | 1955 | 2009 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | $45K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| 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 |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | -/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | -/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | -/Yes |
| Payroll | No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
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| Training | On-The-Job Training: 500 hours Classroom Training: 72 hours Additional Training: At local McDonald's restaurant | 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 | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
| Marketing | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app | Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
| Operations |
82% of all franchisees own more than one unit
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About McDonald's
Ray Kroc, a milkshake mixer salesman, ventured to California in
1954 to visit McDonald's hamburger stand, where he heard they were
running eight mixers at once. Kroc was impressed by how rapidly
customers were served and, seeing an opportunity to sell many more
milkshake machines, encouraged brothers Dick and Mac McDonald to open a
chain of their restaurants. Kroc became their business partner and
opened the first McDonald's in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955.
McDonald's brand is in 122 countries around the world. Thirty thousand locations serve 51 million customers each day. More than 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants around the world are owned and operated by independent local business people.
Most standalone McDonald's restaurants offer both counter and drive-through service, with indoor and sometimes outdoor seating. The Drive-Thru, Auto-Mac, or McDrive as it is known in many countries, often has separate stations for placing, paying for, and picking up orders, though the former two steps are frequently combined. In some countries "McDrive" locations near highways offer no counter service or seating. In contrast, locations in high-density city neighborhoods often omit drive-through service.
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#7 on Franchise Rankings.com
#3 in Canada's top franchises.
#3 in Franchise 500 for 2020
#11 in Franchise 500 for 2021
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.