Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $191,014 - $397,535$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 2%Up to 4%
Year Founded 19871977
Year Franchised 19922009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience

Attitude determines your altitude in life and in Franchising as well.

You need a willingness to work hard, some business acumen and you have to enjoy working with people.

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

 
Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs 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/No-/Yes
Payroll No/No-/Yes

Training & Support

 
Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Training

We provide training to cover every aspect of your shop. This includes food prep, guest service, staff relations, business management - basically everything you need to open an E&G. On-The-Job Training: 112 hours Classroom Training: 35 hours Additional Training: At corporate restaurant

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 Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing 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 National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Loyalty program/app Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20-30

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion NoYes

Company Overviews

About Erbert & Gerbert's Subs & Clubs

Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop is a quick service restaurant serving up the best sandwiches on the planet. In a complicated and fast-paced world, our operation is simple, proven, efficient and easily trainable. We are a franchise you can be proud to operate. Our uniquely flavorful sandwiches are unequaled in quality, freshness and consistency. Our unique and engaging brand is growing strong and seeking ambitious, talented and committed individuals experienced in business or restaurant management who are ready to develop their future with a proven and established system.

 What's Special About Erbert & Gerbert's?     
-Unique Story Line with Core Values Relevant for today's fast casual sandwich sector customers
-Best in Class Food with bold flavors differentiating our products
-Best Practices Operations with simple, easy to train methods
-Delivery & Catering Systems trained and reinforced in Operations
-Unparalleled Product Development keeping us at the forefront of menu innovation
-Preferred Lender Network for your financing
-Year after Year of Positive Same Store Sales Growth
-High Gross Revenue to capitalized cost ratio

-Unit economics showing industry leading EBITDA

The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Erbert & Gerbert's in a Traditional Location is from $194,820 to $393,270. This includes $32,500 to $35,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Erbert & Gerbert's Restaurant in a Non-Traditional Location is from $38,500 to $196,750. This includes $6,250 to $10,750 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you will pay the franchisor a nonrefundable Territory Fee of $10,000 times the number of restaurants you agree to develop. The franchisor will apply the $10,000 payment against future Initial Franchise Fees for your Erbert & Gerbert's Restaurants that you develop under the Area Development Agreement.

Seeking new franchise units in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin  
Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee





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.