Potbelly Sandwich Shop vs The Carving Board Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
The Carving Board Franchise
Investment $534,950 - $874,000$314,500 - $621,500
Franchise Fee $40,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 6%-
Advertising Fee Up to 4%-
Year Founded 19772012
Year Franchised 20092016
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
The Carving Board 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. A great franchise candidate for The Carving Board is not necessarily just someone who has food experience, although that could be a plus. The company is looking for people who are driven, willing to commit to the brand and want to be part of something bigger. Franchisees need the necessary capital to open a location, the willingness to learn and the ability to follow a proven system.

Financing Options

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
The Carving Board 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

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
The Carving Board 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

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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

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
The Carving Board Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

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.

About The Carving Board

The Carving Board is the bold answer to the classic sandwich joint. Ushering in a fresh era of industrial décor, today’s music, hand selected ingredients and over 50 different sandwich combinations, we are setting the new sandwich standard.


Proprietary and proven operating systems and procedures
POS system that helps you manage the business efficiently to maximize profits
Inventory software to manage costs and minimize waste
Exceptional training to achieve consistency in profitability, operations and practices
Ongoing support, systems, and menu changes to keep up with current trends in the market.