Energy Kitchen vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Energy Kitchen Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $750,000 - $1,000,000$534,950 - $874,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -Up to 4%
Year Founded 19991977
Year Franchised 20062009
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Energy Kitchen 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

 
Energy Kitchen 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

 
Energy Kitchen Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Training * Available at headquarters: 6 weeks

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 * 33% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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

* Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
Energy Kitchen Franchise
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion -Yes

Company Overviews

About Energy Kitchen

We are dedicated to bringing you great tasting food that's good for you! We use only the highest quality ingredients for meals that are nutritionally-balanced, low fat & packed with protein. Everything is cooked to order, never in advance. Energy Kitchen is a health/body conscious dining venue serving up tasty, low-fat, low carb dishes. The cornerstone of Energy Kitchen™ is its ability to provide the healthiest sandwiches, platters, salads and smoothies in a creative, tasty presentation. Some of our creative innovations include the Turkey Joe Wrap, Bison Cheese steak and BBQ chicken quesadilla. To compliment these meals, we also have a full line of designer smoothies known as the Liquid Lab, which includes the Lean Body Creamsicle and the Protein power punch. All dishes are made to order and are prepared only by grilling, baking, or steaming; the menu excludes beef and focuses on the more healthy substitutes of chicken, turkey, bison and ostrich. The Energy Kitchen provides high energy foods for people on the go - serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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.