Blimpie vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Blimpie Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $74,780 - $422,200$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $11,900 - $19,900$40,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 4%Up to 4%
Year Founded 19641977
Year Franchised 19702009
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Blimpie Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience
  • General business 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

     
    Blimpie 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/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Blimpie Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    Training K-Tec is a 5-day training all Kahala franchisees receive and is the companion to brand specific in-store training. It introduces participants to the Kahala culture, level of support provided, and the roles and responsibilities for supporting franchisee and franchisor success. It provides exposure to basic business concepts such as customer service, profitability, quality assurance, inventory, purchasing and distribution, and more. On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours

    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 Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection 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 National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 15

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

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Blimpie Franchise
    Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Blimpie

    With the assistance of two companions and $2,500 in obtained start-up capital, Anthony Conza opened the primary Blimpie Subs and Salads area in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1964. From that first store, Blimpie developed into a worldwide chain with eateries in shopping centers, malls, comfort stores, schools, sports fields, doctor's facilities and games fields. Every area serves an assortment of hot and icy subs, wraps, servings of mixed greens and soups. Blimpie International Inc. likewise claims Pasta Central, Maui Tacos and Smoothie Island. The organization is exchanged on the AMEX under the BLM symbol

    .Bigger. Better. Blimpie.™

    Shop meats and cheeses cut crisp to arrange. Natively constructed bread. New, tasty fixings. There's a reason our clients have been returning over and over since 1964. Blimpie's franchisees basically make greater and preferable sandwiches over some other sub shop in the classification. 

    For franchisees, Blimpie conveys more than simply incredible sandwiches. Our group gives the experience and skill important to help franchisees develop their business. Our parent organization, Kahala Brands, guarantees each Blimpie franchisee is bolstered by a portion of the best personalities in diversifying. Kahala's official group is in charge of propelling more than 2,000 establishment stores for many eatery brands, including Cold Stone Creamery®, TacoTime® and Planet Smoothie®. Also, devoted Kahala workers who are specialists in their field are relegated to lead showcasing, land, operations and preparing endeavors for each Kahala mark, including Blimpie

    Today, Blimpie is preferably situated over ever before with: 

    A straightforward plan of action with enduring backing 

    A fresh out of the box new in-store plan custom-worked for the present day, quick easygoing client 

    Diversion changing consumer loyalty programs 

    World-class establishment advancement administrations 

    An accomplished, franchisee-centered administration group 

    National brand acknowledgment 

    What's more, the direction expected to help manage franchisees toward way of life and money related objectives 

    Blimpie is the main sub establishment that offers franchisees the chance to dispatch a reasonable establishment business with a brand name that has been connected with the best, crisp cut subs available for over 50 years. 

    Truth be told, we'd jump at the chance to begin furnishing YOU with the data you have to survey to settle on a shrewd choice about your entrepreneurial future. If you don't mind set aside some opportunity to completely investigate the data made accessible to you on this site and call us to begin on building your own one of a kind Bigger, Better, Blimpie!.

    Veteran Incentives  20% 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.