Mr. Sub vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Mr. Sub Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $160,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded 19681977
Year Franchised 19722009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 50% of initial fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Mr. Sub Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
    		• 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
     
    Mr. Sub Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Mr. Sub 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 Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing 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 slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 15% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Mr. Sub Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Mr. Sub

    The first Mr. Sub restaurant opened in Toronto, Ontario in March of 1968. Right from the start, the concept was simple: sell quality subs, make them fresh, and serve them fast. And above all, give customers value for their money. A lot has changed since then. Our menu has grown to include salads, wraps, soup, fresh baked bread and more. Today, there are over 520 restaurants from coast to coast, and Mr. Sub is still owned by the founding partners. Lots of things have changed over the years, but every franchisee remains committed to our original concept of quality and freshness. That thinking was what brought people to our restaurants back in the 60's, and it continues to create new customers today.

    "Top

    #38 in Canada's Top franchises.

    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.