Experienced Multi-Generational Franchise Family to Expand Neighborhood Sandwich Shop Across Orlando and Gainesville Markets

ORLANDO, Fla. – Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop known for its craveable menu and community-driven atmosphere, has signed a 10-shop franchise development agreement with veteran franchise operator BD Patel and his nephews, Bhavesh and Mihir Patel.

The Patel family will develop shops across Central Florida, initially focusing on high-visibility trade areas throughout Northeast Orlando and surrounding communities with additional development planned for Gainesville. Their long-term strategy includes expanding into residential neighborhoods, business districts and university communities while bringing Potbelly’s craveable menu and neighborhood experience to more guests across the region.

With more than 30 years of franchise experience, BD has built a career developing and growing nationally recognized restaurant brands, including Dunkin’, Quiznos and Mooyah Burgers. His background spans franchise development leadership, multi-unit ownership experience and franchise advisory councils, giving him extensive experience building successful restaurant systems.

Bhavesh and Mihir represent the next generation of the family’s entrepreneurial legacy. Bhavesh brings years of operational leadership from helping scale his family’s convenience store business, while Mihir transitioned from a successful career in information technology into hospitality through ownership of a franchised hotel. Together, the family brings a unique combination of franchise expertise, operational leadership and entrepreneurial experience that positions them for long-term growth across Central Florida.

“We were looking for a brand with long-term growth potential, but it also had to be one we genuinely believed in,” said BD Patel. “Our family has enjoyed Potbelly for years, and as we evaluated the business, we recognized the strength of the brand, its proven operating model and the opportunity to grow alongside thriving communities. Central Florida continues to attract new residents, businesses and visitors, making it an ideal fit for the neighborhood-focused experience and craveable menu Potbelly is known for.”

For Bhavesh, the opportunity is also personal. He and his wife became regular Potbelly guests while attending the University of Cincinnati, giving the family a longstanding connection to the brand well before pursuing franchise ownership. As one of Florida’s fastest-growing areas continues to attract new residents, employers and investment, the Patel family’s decades of operating experience position them to thoughtfully introduce Potbelly to communities across their development territory.

“BD, Bhavesh and Mihir bring exactly the kind of experience, operational discipline and long-term vision we look for in franchise partners,” said Jennifer Durham, Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development at Potbelly. “Their combined backgrounds span decades of franchise leadership, hospitality and business ownership, creating an exceptional foundation for sustainable growth. Just as importantly, they’re approaching development with a community-first mindset that reflects the Potbelly brand, and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they introduce Potbelly to more neighborhoods throughout Central Florida.”

Potbelly continues to expand its presence across Florida, with more than 10 shops currently open and more than 54 additional locations under development agreements statewide. Future growth includes Tampa, Sarasota-Bradenton, Fort Myers-Naples, Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Panama City Beach.

For nearly 50 years, Potbelly has served neighborhoods with its signature toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes and baked cookies, all delivered with warm hospitality and neighborhood charm that define the brand. With more than 470 shops nationwide, Potbelly continues to grow through strategic franchise development in markets across the country.

For more information about franchising with Potbelly, visit 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, industry-leading average unit volumes and healthy shop-level profitability have consistently positioned Potbelly among the top-performing sandwich concepts in the fast-casual restaurant industry, earning the brand repeated recognition on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list. Potbelly has also received significant industry recognition through honors, including Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list and Yelp’s Fastest Growing Brands ranking, QSR Magazine’s Best Places to Work, and Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchise Cultures list, highlighting the brand’s momentum, franchisee satisfaction and strong company culture. Backed by a robust development pipeline, Potbelly is entering its next phase of growth, advancing 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 franchising.potbelly.com.