Spicy Pickle vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Spicy Pickle Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $300,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded 19991977
Year Franchised 20032009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 20% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Spicy Pickle Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • People 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

     
    Spicy Pickle 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/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Spicy Pickle 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 Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing 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 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12 - 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Spicy Pickle Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Spicy Pickle

    Spicy Pickle is looking for experienced restaurant operators who also have the financial ability and marketing expertise to develop territory. Spicy Pickle restaurants are in relatively small footprints and can, when properly developed, operated and marketed, produce attractive returns for the investment. Spicy pickle has earned a reputation for serving delicious culinary inspired food that caters mostly to the daytime working populations in a fast casual atmosphere. We are looking for franchisees who have earned a similar reputation for success in their hometowns and are looking for this type of opportunity. If this describes you we encourage you make application and set up a visit to our Corporate headquarters. Be prepared to present a business plan for the roll out of Spicy Pickle restaurants in your chosen development area. We have in place the infrastructure to assist you from initial financial projections to site selection and lease negotiation to build-out assistance, training, grand opening and ongoing marketing and operational support. We are experienced franchisors and restaurant operators and are looking for franchisee partners to help expand the brand. What we need you to have: * Significant business experience and references, preferably in the retail environment and specifically in restaurant operations. * Sufficient financial strength to open several Spicy Pickle restaurants as locations become available (at least $1 Million dollars of liquidity). * Strong ties to the local community. * A desire to build, own and operate your own business, and entrepreneur. * Enthusiasm and the ability to wake up every day with an opportunistic attitude.

    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.