Melt Shop vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Melt Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $368,240 - $698,800$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 2%Up to 4%
Year Founded 20101977
Year Franchised 20172009
Term Of Agreement 5 Years +5+5+5-
Term Of Agreement 5 Years +5+5+5-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Melt Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience Melt Shop is seeking well capitalized partners who are entrepreneurial and have a strong knowledge of their market. The ideal franchisee is a proven multi-unit operator in the restaurant industry. At this time we are not offering sub-franchises.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

 
Melt Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/Yes-/Yes
Start-up Costs -/Yes-/Yes
Equipment -/Yes-/Yes
Inventory -/Yes-/Yes
Receivables -/Yes-/Yes
Payroll -/Yes-/Yes

Training & Support

 
Melt Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 224 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours

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/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformPurchasing 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 Regional Advertising Social media Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations Number of Employees Required to Run: 15 -

Expansion Plans

 
Melt Shop Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion YesYes

Company Overviews

About Melt Shop

Melt Shop believes that one quality, more than any other, determines the success of a concept: the strength of the brand and its connection to guests.
Melt Shop was built upon that premise
Seeking multi-unit franchisees with strong restaurant and hospitality experience and a shared dedication to operational excellence who have a strong knowledge of their market. The ideal franchisee is a proven multi-unit operator in the restaurant industry. At this time we are not offering sub-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.