CHICAGO (February 4, 2026) – Potbelly Sandwich Works, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, is debuting in New Jersey through a new 15-shop development agreement with its first New Jersey franchise group PBNJ LLC, a multi-generational restaurant ownership group led by Greg Dunn and Kelly Hart. The commitment qualifies PBNJ LLC to participate in Potbelly’s Large Area Developer 50/50 Incentive Program, supporting experienced multi-unit operators who commit to opening 15 or more shops within an eight-year development window, and enables the seasoned franchise group to extend Potbelly’s reach into the Garden State. This program aligns long-term partnership and performance by offering reduced franchise fees, royalty incentives for developers who meet and exceed expansion milestones, and additional benefits for partners who open ahead of schedule.

PBNJ LLC brings more than 30 years of deep operational, leadership, and franchising experience, most notably with the Wendy’s brand. Chief Financial Officer, Greg Dunn, has been with Wendy’s for 34 years, including eight years as DMA President for the New York Co-Op, served as a Trustee of Wendy’s National Advertising Program, and as a member of QSCC Board of Directors, the Wendy’s supply chain co-op for nine years, three as its chairman. Prior to his restaurant success, Greg spent 20 years in the publishing industry, giving him a unique blend of experience in brand development, media strategy, and business operations.

Kelly Hart, Chief Executive Officer, grew up in the franchise business, with more than 20 years of hands-on restaurant leadership experience. She currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Wendy’s National Advertising Program, as well as the BOD of the Wendy’s Franchise Association. She has served in every operational role within the Wendy’s franchise system, giving her a comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations, leadership performance, and customer service excellence.

“With a quality product and rave reviews from existing franchise operators, we knew Potbelly was the right fit for our team as we looked to expand our franchising business,” said Greg Dunn, Chief Financial Officer of PBNJ LLC. “We’re thrilled to be Potbelly’s first New Jersey franchisee group and introduce the sandwiches Potbelly fans know and love to a new market.”

“With Greg and Kelly’s impressive operational and multi-unit restaurant franchise background, they were a wonderful fit for Potbelly’s Large Area Developer 50/50 Incentive Program,” said Jennifer Durham, Senior Vice President of Franchising & Development at Potbelly. “We’re excited to have the pioneering PBNJ LLC team joining the Potbelly franchise family and bring their deep food experience, knowledge of the northern New Jersey trade areas and disciplined approach to accelerate Potbelly’s growth in the Garden State.”

Over the next eight years, Potbelly’s latest multi-unit franchise agreement will bring the brand’s signature menu and neighborhood-driven experience to communities across Northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Sussex counties. As part of its broader growth strategy, Potbelly is actively seeking experienced multi-unit operators to lead territory-scale development in nearby, underserved markets, creating opportunities for partners to build a dominant regional footprint in areas such as the Philadelphia DMA and across Pennsylvania.

Potbelly continues to offer franchise opportunities in top markets across the country and is actively seeking experienced, growth-minded franchise owners to join the system. For more information about franchise opportunities with Potbelly Sandwich Works, visit franchising.potbelly.com.

About Potbelly:
Potbelly Sandwich Works 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 nearly 50 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 nationwide and will reach its 500th United States shop in 2026, supported by 50 new shop openings and more than 100 franchised locations. As Potbelly approaches its 50th anniversary, the company continues to grow its footprint while maintaining its commitment to neighborhood-focused service. For more information, please visit our website at franchising.potbelly.com.

Search