Potbelly, the Chicago-born sandwich chain, is officially zeroing in on Minnesota. The brand says it is opening its franchising market in the state and has its sights set on the Twin Cities for a sizable rollout that could eventually top a dozen new shops. It is the latest local move from a company that has leaned heavily into franchising and smaller-format stores in recent years. Twin Cities diners can expect to start seeing leasing notices, construction fencing, and hiring posts as franchise partners lock in sites.
According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Potbelly has tagged the Twin Cities metro as a prime expansion target and is introducing its first local franchising opportunities in Minnesota. The outlet reports that the company wants to bring "15-plus" locations to the state as individual franchise deals are signed.
That Twin Cities push is one slice of a much bigger national growth plan. Potbelly has said it expects to add roughly 50 shops in 2026 as it accelerates franchising, per Fast Casual. Industry coverage also notes that Potbelly's recent acquisition by convenience-store operator RaceTrac has delivered fresh capital and broader distribution reach to help speed those openings, according to the AP.
Small format, big ambitions
To fit into more neighborhoods, Potbelly has been testing a smaller, roughly 1,800-square-foot prototype along with a tiered remodel strategy. Industry reporting says that the combination makes it easier to wedge new shops into downtown blocks, strip centers, and non-traditional spots. Restaurant Dive notes that the prototype and remodel program have been key selling points in getting franchise partners on board.
Potbelly's own franchising site highlights incentives for multi-unit developers and promotes an upcoming webinar for prospective owners. Interested operators can head to Potbelly's franchising portal for registration details and current market listings.
What this could mean locally
If Potbelly follows through on its 15-plus location vision, Minnesota communities could see dozens of new jobs and a noticeable bump in lunchtime options across Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods. The franchising portal lists Minnesota among open markets and outlines development packages, and would-be operators can use it to register interest and scout territories.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal is the first local outlet to report that Potbelly is formally opening Minnesota for franchising. For now, the sandwich chain's Minnesota ambitions mark a notable new chapter in the Twin Cities fast-casual scene as it leans on franchising to widen its footprint. Keep an eye on vacant corners and storefronts; those "for lease" signs may soon share space with Potbelly's logo.
