Recognition Honors Neighborhood Sandwich Shop as One of the Restaurants Helping Shape the Future of Fast Casual 

CHICAGO – Potbelly Sandwich Shop, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, has been recognized in Fast Casual’s 2026 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, earning recognition among the restaurant brands shaping the future of the fast casual industry through growth, operational performance and innovation.

The annual report serves as a pulse check for the industry, spotlighting brands that are keeping pace with the evolving fast casual landscape and helping define where it is headed next. Honorees were selected through a combination of Fast Casual Index data, editorial review and expert judging across four key areas, including leadership, innovation, culture and growth.

Potbelly earned the recognition on the list with Fast Casual highlighting the brand’s record-breaking average unit volumes of $1.35 million*, acquisition by RaceTrac, digital-first strategy, loyalty momentum and double-digit catering growth.

“This recognition reflects the incredible momentum we’ve built across the Potbelly system,” said Adam Noyes, President of Potbelly Sandwich Works. “We’ve remained focused on growing the right way, investing in the guest experience, supporting our franchisees, optimizing our tech stack and continuing to bring our great food and good vibes to more neighborhoods across the country. What makes this especially meaningful is that it’s a reflection of the dedication from our shop teams, franchisees and support center employees who continue to move the brand forward every day.”

The recognition comes as Potbelly continues accelerating growth across key markets through new franchise development agreements and non-traditional. The brand has celebrated new openings in markets throughout Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia and Illinois while advancing toward its near term goal of reaching 500 open shops nationwide.

Potbelly has continued investing in operational enhancements and technology initiatives designed to improve the guest experience and support shop-level performance. Recent efforts have included upgrades to its digital ordering experience, catering enhancements and community focus for which the brand is cherished.

Founded in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly is known for its toasty sandwiches, craveable menu offerings and neighborhood shop experience. Today, the brand continues expanding its footprint across the U.S. through a combination of company-owned and franchise-operated locations.

For more information about franchising with Potbelly, visit http://www.potbelly.com/franchising

About Potbelly

Founded in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly Sandwich Works is a neighborhood sandwich concept known for warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes, and genuine “good vibes” hospitality. Each shop reflects the unique character of its local community, all while delivering a consistent guest experience. A strong operational model, impressive average unit volumes and shop profitability consistently place the brand among the top-performing sandwich concepts in the fast casual sector of the restaurant industry. Additionally, QSR magazine named Potbelly to its “Best Places to Work in 2025” ranking, earning the spot because of the people-first culture that envelops the company. Backed by a robust development pipeline, Potbelly is entering its next phase of growth with plans to open 50 new shops in 2026 and advance toward the brand’s 500th location nationwide. As Potbelly approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, prioritizing operational simplicity, exceptional franchisee support and a focus on long-term shop profitability remain consistent across its system. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.potbelly.com/franchising.