O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $400,000 - $610,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $32,000$40,000
Royalty Fee -6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded -1977
Year Franchised -2009
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars 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

 
O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars 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

 
O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars 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

 
O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion -Yes

Company Overviews

About O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars

While the focus for O'Briens has always been on healthier choices, they constantly strive to introduce a more ethical way of doing business with organic deli dishes and snacks, a wide variety of gourmet coffees where a growing percentage of beans come direct from the grower, and Fairtrade and organic tea. O'Briens has a greater variety within its Tossed Salads and healthy Wrappo ranges, which are perfect for lighter meals during the warmer spring and summer months. For autumn and winter, the menu moves more towards the warming hot organic roast carvery, traditional and specialty soups, not to mention toasted sandwiches, in all shapes and forms. O'Briens has more than 300 stores providing the healthy food option in 13 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Their reputation has been shaped on their famous made-to-order hot or cold sandwiches.

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.