Aurora’s west side just scored a new sandwich stop, and it is kicking things off with a serious perk. The latest Potbelly Sandwich Shop, at 2933 Kirk Road in the Kirkland Crossing development, quietly started serving on April 3 and is teeing up a grand-opening party on April 23 that will hand out free Potbelly for a year to the first 50 people in line. The shop is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers delivery through the Potbelly app, the company website, and third-party services.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the franchise is locally owned by Anand Patel and Kevin Patel, who say they want the spot to double as a neighborhood hangout. In a company news release, Kevin said that "opening this shop felt like the perfect opportunity to bring a brand we love to the community," and the owners added that they plan to hire locally to staff the new location.
Patch reports that the shop sits in Kirkland Crossing Plaza near Butterfield Road, right by the borders of Batavia and North Aurora. The outlet notes that this is Potbelly's second Aurora location, with the other at Fox Valley Mall, and repeats the same daily hours and delivery options the owners have already announced.
Grand-Opening Perks
The April 23 celebration is where things get competitive. The first 50 guests in line will walk away with free Potbelly for a year, per the Chicago Tribune. Organizers say there will also be branded merchandise, on-site games, and prize drawings aimed at families and nearby workers who want more than just a quick sandwich run.
Owners And Local Ties
Both owners grew up in the area and told reporters they see the shop as a community gathering place rather than only a grab-and-go counter, Patch reports. Anand, who has more than 10 years of restaurant experience, said the new shop is "only two minutes" from his house, while Kevin brings more than two decades in quick-service operations to the partnership.
Lines are likely for the big giveaway, and once those first 50 spots are gone, they are gone. If you miss the main event, the shop is already up and running for both pickup and delivery. Local readers who want full event details and the organizers' complete schedule can look to the Chicago Tribune and Patch listings for the full prize rundown.
