Mark's Pizzeria vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $125,000 - $150,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 3%6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded 19821977
Year Franchised 19952009
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee 1/3 current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop 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

 
Mark's Pizzeria 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

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Training As needed

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 Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing 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 slicks, Regional advertisingAd Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

-

Expansion Plans

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion YesYes

Company Overviews

About Mark's Pizzeria

The concept and business of Mark's Pizzeria began in 1982 as one of both necessity and inspiration to the founder, Mr. Mark Crane. With 29 restaurants across the Greater Rochester area, we serve up the tastiest pizza, calzones, subs, and wings outside of Italy! We'd like to thank our Rochester customers for voting us as the #1 Best Pizza in Rochester SIX times! For over 35 years, we've been providing delicious, quality food and service with a smile.

Mark's Pizzeria began humbly in 1982 as a small pizza restaurant in Palmyra founded by Mark Crane. Even back then, our goals were to always put customers first and to make sure they left with a smile on their face. As we expanded to Fairport, Victor, Penfield, and other cities across Rochester, quality and service remained ingrained in our culture. We still use fresh dough that's made in-store every day, and natural ingredients you can actually taste. Whether you're ordering a hot sandwich, a loaded bomber sub, or a sheet pizza, you know that you're getting quality ingredients.

At Mark's Pizzeria, we serve great food and treat our customers like family. We're proud to know our regulars, and some of our patrons have been coming to us for decades. Kids always get a free slushy, and everybody gets a taste of our classic Grandma's fried dough with cinnamon sugar; it's our way of saying thank you to the community. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat customer, we'll always provide friendly service with a smile. Stop by today to see the Mark's Pizzeria way of doing things!

On top of that, we're also excited to offer you valuable coupons, redeemable in all locations across the Greater Rochester area. With virtually any order, you instantly qualify for one of our coupons, which you can use when ordering online or when you come to one of our restaurants. Just print out the applicable coupon, or enter the coupon code at checkout! After all, what's better than good food and good company? We can't think of much else, so why not have some of our amazing pizza with your loved ones?

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.