Roly Poly vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Roly Poly vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$106,550 - $226,700 | $534,950 - $874,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$20,000 - $25,000 | $40,000 |
Royalty Fee |
4-6% | 6% |
Advertising Fee |
- | Up to 4% |
Year Founded |
1992 | 1977 |
Year Franchised |
1997 | 2009 |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
1/2 of current franchise fee | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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 |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/No | -/Yes |
Start-up Costs |
No/No | -/Yes |
Equipment |
No/No | -/Yes |
Inventory |
No/No | -/Yes |
Receivables |
No/No | -/Yes |
Payroll |
No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
Training |
Additional training available 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 |
Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | 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
Social media
SEO
Website development
Email marketing
Loyalty program/app
|
Operations |
75% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12
- 15
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
- | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
No | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Roly Poly
It takes more than an awesome sandwich to make our Roly Poly world go round. Dedicated franchisees throughout the country have been working together over the last 10 years to build the Roly Poly reputation and fine tune the franchise system. Our original first year franchisees are still opening new stores and celebrating record breaking sales! What's the reason for this amazing franchisee success? Another of our favorite words, SIMPLICITY! The system that we have developed is simple, and when our system is followed, it works. We know that it's not always easy to match up the right franchisees to the right concept. How can you tell if our franchise system might be the right one for you? Ask yourself:
- Am I a team player?
- Am I willing to be the first one to get there and the last one to leave?
- Am I willing to work weekends and holidays?
- Am I a self starter?
- Am I a "people person" who enjoys customer service
- Am I willing to personally take out menus and samples to develop the business in my market?
- Am I long term goal oriented with staying power?
- Will Roly Poly be my full time job and have my total focus and commitment?
If you answered yes to all of the above questions then WE WANT YOU! Our successful team of franchisees and developers all have the same outlook and passion for the concept. The following criteria will also help determine how suitable Roly Poly is for you:
- Roly Poly is most successful as an owner operated concept. Our concept requires the TLC that we believe only comes from motivated coworkers working hand in hand with dedicated owners.
- Roly Poly thrives in upper middle class market area locations. We look for the shopping areas patronized by the most upscale residential neighborhoods with a customer mix of upscale residential, office workers, hospital/medical professionals, retail workers and students.
- Our ideal size is 1,000 - 1,400 square feet
- Our busiest stores operate 7 days a week with 75% / 25% anticipated lunch/dinner business breakdown
- Most importantly we look for special franchisees that recognize Roly Poly as a concept that will thrive in their neighborhood market area and have a desire to make Roly Poly a part of their business community. The right franchisee knows the right locations for Roly Poly. We look for franchisees that are already a part of the community.
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.