Cianci European Eatery vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Cianci European Eatery Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $356,000 - $508,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded 19981977
Year Franchised 20052009
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Cianci European Eatery Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
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

     
    Cianci European Eatery 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

     
    Cianci European Eatery 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 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 slicksAd Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations

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

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Cianci European Eatery Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Cianci European Eatery

    Delectable cuisine born in the bustling, bistros of Europe. A palate nurtured in the healthy eateries of a burgeoning American marketplace. This is the inspiration for Cianci European Eatery. Created by founder Laura Cianci, and opened in 1998, the European Eatery offers customers the unique combination of a sumptuous healthy menu, with the warm and inviting feel of a European bistro. It will offer you one of the most exciting and successful new concepts in the world of franchising today. Cianci European Eatery is a proven concept, with unlimited potential. It will give you the opportunity to build a successful business with a time investment of just 10 hours per day while capturing a profitable niche in a rapidly growing marketplace. We're currently opening new, untapped markets, exclusive territories and great opportunities for the right franchise partners. Don't miss this opportunity to get a taste of a healthy bottom line. Your success is our number one priority. That's why we stand poised to provide you with the systems and resources you'll need to grow a successful operation. We have assembled a top team of experts in operations, training, marketing and development. From the day you begin working with Cianci, through development, grand opening and growth, we'll be there to support your needs and growth.

    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.