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

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
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 19772012
Year Franchised 20092017
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
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

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

Training & Support

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Tom and Chee 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

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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

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
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

"Tom

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:

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.