Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $151,500 - $342,500$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $50,000$40,000
Royalty Fee $250+/wk6%
Advertising Fee Up to 2% MonthlyUp to 4%
Year Founded 19961977
Year Franchised 20062009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience Restaurant experience is always helpful but, if you have experience running another type of business including working with employees and customers, managing cash and generating financial statements, we have a complete training program and manuals as well as field operational staff that can help you learn this business as well as provide ongoing support for you. SBA funding may require some restaurant experience, please consult your SBA lender.
  • Up to $400,000 minimum liquid assets
  • Restaurant and/or Management experience
  • 680+ credit score
  • No bankruptcies, liens or Judgements
  • 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. Pickle's Sandwich Shop 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/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop 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 -Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing -Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations --

    Expansion Plans

     
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop

    Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop is a premium sandwich shop. Our shops offer hand sliced proprietary proteins and cheeses topped with sauces that are made daily. All sandwiches are served on our fresh baked rolls, including our famous Dutch Crunch roll. Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop offers best in class sandwiches including the famous Big Jake, Reuben, and of course The Mr. Pickle. Our twenty- six plus years of success is rooted in the simple formula of "Making the Guest Happy” by providing craveable sandwiches, exceptional guest service, and local community involvement.The ideal Franchisee will strive to keep their customers happy while devoting their time and energy toward running a successful Mr. Pickle's shop.

    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.