Potbelly Sandwich Shop vs Jon Smith Subs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Investment $534,950 - $874,000$309,500 - $887,760
Franchise Fee $40,000$39,500
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee Up to 4%3%
Year Founded 19771988
Year Franchised 20092007
Term Of Agreement -20 years
Term Of Agreement -20 years
Renewal Fee -$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Jon Smith Subs 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

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Jon Smith Subs 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

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Jon Smith Subs 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

On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: At existing store
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line 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 Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations - Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 15 - 20

Expansion Plans

 
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion -No
International Expansion YesYes

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 Jon Smith Subs

Sometimes it seems that everyone sells the “highest quality food at the lowest price.” But saying it doesn’t make it so. I, Jon Smith, am totally committed to providing the best quality food and service for my customers. Look at our food, look at our stores, look at our employees and see our commitment. At Jon Smith Subs, quality is our only deal.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant is from $309,500 to $615,790. These amounts include $134,500 to $213,790 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant as a developer under the Multi-Unit Development Agreement is from $370,500 to $887,760 for five restaurants. These amounts include $194,500 to $677,290 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee