Link Business vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Link Business Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $53,200 - $148,500$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $45,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 2%Up to 4%
Year Founded 19961977
Year Franchised 20072009
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Link Business 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

 
Link Business Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/Yes-/Yes
Start-up Costs -/Yes-/Yes
Equipment -/Yes-/Yes
Inventory -/Yes-/Yes
Receivables -/Yes-/Yes
Payroll -/Yes-/Yes

Training & Support

 
Link Business Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours Additional Training: Online broker academy

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 Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary SoftwarePurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Marketing Support Ad Templates Social media Website development Email marketingAd Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 1-

Expansion Plans

 
Link Business Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion Yes-
International Expansion YesYes

Company Overviews

About Link Business

Become a LINK Franchisee

We have now expanded into the competitive US market, with our first offices in Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Diego and Phoenix. Now that we have established our presence we plan to expand our office locations and bring our unique brand of industry tailored business brokerage to the rest of the US. We are particular about who we do business with, but if you are an existing business broker or owner of a business brokering company (even if you are currently with another group) and are successful, with impeccable integrity - we would like to hear from you. We can also send you our 24 page brochure "Partner Overview" outlining the many benefits of joining LINK, and what's in it for you.Our marketing is second to none, our broker tools are revolutionary, our software system is powerful and world-leading and our support is real. We work with individual offices to help them grow and prosper, we don't just sign you up and move on. LINK has truly changed the landscape of business brokering, and now its unique system is available in the United States. Don't miss the opportunity, as franchises locations are limited.

Veteran Incentives  10% 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.