USA Subs vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
USA Subs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $296,510 - $421,167$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 2.5%Up to 4%
Year Founded 19861977
Year Franchised 20062009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
USA Subs 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

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

Training & Support

 
USA Subs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Training -

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 Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
USA Subs Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion -Yes

Company Overviews

About USA Subs

USA Subs was founded in 1986 by Karl Kuceris, a businessman and visionary entrepreneur with a talent for creating delicious sandwich and salad ideas, and Russell Hertrich, a successful real estate investor and expert financial advisor. USA Subs became the market leader due to its wide selection of popular offerings such as fresh bread baked on-site, hot grilled subs like the famous Steak Bomb, scrumptious cold subs, wraps, and pockets, salads made to order, and superior customer service in a loyal family environment.

Karl’s commitment to using the freshest ingredients has continued since 1986. Recently, Karl’s son Keith Kuceris joined the company. Keith brought his sales and marketing experience with the most successful team in Minor League sports, The Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club, to USA Subs. Karl and Keith’s innovative menu additions like gourmet toasted subs, popular kid’s meals, thirst-quenching frozen lemonade, and advertising methods, only solidified USA Subs’ status as market leader.

With an on-going commitment to being an innovative leader in the fastest growing segment of the quick-service restaurant industry and a recent update of its company brand complete with new logos, website, advertising, menu additions, marketing ideas, and store design, USA Subs is positioned to enter all markets with its Franchising Opportunities for qualified candidates.

USA Subs offers a low financial investment, simplified business system with thorough Operations Manuals, on-going assistance and support, and a product that appeals to families and creates repeat business. We’ve Got it All! Opening your own USA Subs franchise will help you and your family live out your own American Dream! American Dream Franchising, LLC currently seeks hard-working and highly motivated individuals and families to open up their own USA Subs restaurant. We Want You!

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.