Potbelly Sandwich Shop Sets Course for Future Franchise Growth with Multi-Unit Las Vegas Development Deal

Potbelly Sandwich Shop announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 shops in the Las Vegas market. Eric Persson, an experienced, multi-brand restaurant operator and owner, will be bringing Potbelly to the area. The deal marks the brand's entry into the region. Potbelly shops have earned a reputation across the United States for having delicious food and a warm, neighborhood atmosphere, thriving within bustling metropolitan areas like Las Vegas. "I'm thrilled to break into the fast casual restaurant segment with a proven brand," said Persson, who is a longtime local Las Vegas resident and an accomplished entrepreneur. "Potbelly hits the mark on exactly what I am seeking to diversify my portfolio. I'm excited to help grow the brand and bring it to a new market." Persson is the co-founder and co-owner of Maverick Gaming LLC, a group that currently owns the Wendover Nugget, Red Garter Hotel, Red Lion Casino and the Gold Country Casino, all in northern Nevada, and more than 10 casinos in Washington state. Additionally, Persson owns 40 stand-alone restaurants in the Las Vegas and Phoenix markets. With his multi-brand experience, Persson embodies the type of franchise owner that Potbelly is attracting. "Eric is the perfect fit to bring Potbelly to Nevada. His multi-unit group is just what we're looking for to open our franchise locations," said Peter Ortiz, Vice President of Franchise Development for Potbelly. "We're excited that Eric is joining the Potbelly family just as we are accelerating our franchising initiative, and we're eager to build off this momentum in the months ahead." The deal with Las Vegas comes on the heels of Potbelly nearly doubling its franchise footprint with recent multi-unit agreements totaling 38 units spanning Tampa, Florida; Modesto, Concord and Santa Clarita, California; Lake Grove, New York and the Carolinas. In addition, Potbelly has opened a number of franchise stores this year that are driving brand penetration across several areas of the country, including recently opened shops in Irvine, California; Odessa, Texas; Richmond, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, Virginia; Rochester, Minnesota; and Charlotte, North Carolina. As Potbelly continues to expand throughout the United States, the brand is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified multi-unit groups, like Maverick Gaming LLC, who are looking to add another potent concept to their portfolios.Currently, there are more than 450 corporate and franchise Potbelly shops in the United States. The brand is continuing franchise growth in 2019 and is seeking experienced multi-unit operators who have the drive to grow a great business opportunity.

About Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers' smiles with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes and other fresh menu items, customized just the way customers want them, for more than 40 years. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country - with more than 400 company-owned shops in the United States. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate approximately over 50 shops in the United States.