Accomplished Industry Executive to Lead Strategic Next-Level Growth for Iconic Neighborhood Sandwich Shop

CHICAGO – Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, announced today Jennifer Durham as Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development. In her new role, Durham is responsible for increasing franchise recruitment, overseeing market planning, real estate and design and construction strategies, helping advance Potbelly toward its mission of reaching more than 2,000 locations.

Durham moves into the Potbelly development leadership position with more than two decades of making meaningful impacts at an impressive roster of companies. Blending a rare mix of restaurant and franchise industry expertise in finance, IT, operations and development, her proven track record in building and scaling franchise systems suits the Potbelly development leadership position perfectly.

“We welcome Jennifer to Potbelly at an exciting point in our growth story,” said Adam Noyes, who was recently promoted from COO to President at Potbelly and previously teamed with Durham in executive roles at Checkers & Rally’s. “Her leadership experience and depth of expertise stand to position the brand for continued growth and momentum across new and existing markets. As we enter an extraordinary phase of franchise growth, Jennifer is a fantastic fit to guide development at Potbelly.”

Durham began her career as a CPA with KPMG, before transitioning professionally into the restaurant industry. Durham held executive roles in finance and IT at Checkers & Rally’s, pivoting to Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. More recently, she led development teams at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. With her combination of financial discipline, process improvement and franchise development expertise, she is well-positioned to lead expansion at Potbelly.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Potbelly, following the recently finalized RaceTrac acquisition. In addition to more than 30 new shop openings planned for 2025, there are more than 800 total Potbelly locations open or planned through development commitments. Over 100 of the current shops operating are franchised (the brand has over 450 total locations currently operating). Durham will leverage her deep franchise development expertise to accelerate this momentum and strategically expand the brand’s presence in key markets nationwide.

“Joining Potbelly during this remarkable time presents an ideal opportunity to leverage momentum and accelerate with a strategy that optimizes the brand’s franchise growth potential,” said Durham. “Potbelly’s $1.3 Million+ average unit volumes and ample territories make it a compelling proposition, and my focus will be on optimizing the initial investment and advancing our development support to ensure both our franchise partners and company teams’ growth opportunities have the resources and support needed to thrive.”

Franchisees are drawn to the scalability Potbelly offers multi-unit operators, its innovative menu that drives sales, multiple revenue channels including in-shop, digital and catering, with flexible footprint options that expand site selection opportunities.

As Potbelly continues to expand across the United States, the brand is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified multi-unit restaurant groups who are looking to diversify into the sandwich segment.

For additional information about the Potbelly franchise opportunity, visit https://www.potbelly.com/franchising.

About Potbelly
Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers’ smiles with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes and other fresh menu items, customized just the way customers want them, for more than 40 years. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country – with more than 445 shops in the United States including more than 105 franchised shops in the United States. For more information, please visit Potbelly’s website at www.Potbelly.com.

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