Potbelly Sandwich Shop vs Tom and Chee Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Potbelly Sandwich Shop vs Tom and Chee including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$534,950 - $874,000 | $302,700 - $456,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$40,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee |
6% | - |
Advertising Fee |
Up to 4% | - |
Year Founded |
1977 | 2012 |
Year Franchised |
2009 | 2017 |
Term Of Agreement |
- | - |
Term Of Agreement |
- | - |
Renewal Fee |
- | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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 |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
-/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs |
-/Yes | -/- |
Equipment |
-/Yes | -/- |
Inventory |
-/Yes | -/- |
Receivables |
-/Yes | -/- |
Payroll |
-/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
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 |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
- | - |
International Expansion |
Yes | - |
Company Overviews
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.
About Tom and Chee
After expanding to more than 12 locations across seven states,
Tom & Chee is poised for a new era of rapid growth. With a simplified
business model, state-of-the-art training and technology, a new menu and
restaurant design, and new leadership with over 50+ years in the
franchise industry, Tom & Chee is ready to welcome passionate
franchisees who want to own a business that brings joy and love to their
communities. Here’s why Tom & Chee stands out as a wise sandwich & grilled cheese franchise investment:
- An innovative, playful menu unlike anything else in the trending sandwich industry
- Tremendous national brand recognition from appearances on Shark Tank and other national media
- Exceptional support from leadership team with 50+ years of experience
- A low-cost investment with tremendous profit potential
- A straightforward business model makes owning a Tom & Chee easier than ever before
“Tom & Chee is creating a new category within the sandwich space,” says
Roger David, CEO & President of Tom & Chee. “There’s something
really special about our brand. We’re changing the game with our
sandwich & grilled cheese franchise. It’s new, but also nostalgic.
When our customers taste our food they think of Mom. They think of
childhood with grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. We have
created such a unique menu, with wonderful recipes and food made fresh
in-house, and now we have a robust culture of franchise support that is
going to take Tom & Chee to the next level. We’re looking for
franchisees who are food-centric. If you love food, love people and love
community, then you should be a part of a Tom & Chee.”
The estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Tom & Chee Restaurant franchise ranges from $302,700 to $456,000. This
includes $30,000 (if this is the first Tom & Chee franchise you have
purchased), $15,000 (if this is your second, third or fourth Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) or $5,000 (if this is your fifth or
greater Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) that must be paid to
the franchisor. The estimated initial investment does not include real
estate, related improvement costs or tenant improvement allowances.