Potbelly announced Tuesday that its second shop, a franchise location in the SouthPark neighborhood’s Piedmont Town Center, will open to the public on May 9. This news comes on the heels of Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s recent third location signed lease announcement for Charlotte in Ballantyne.
Potbelly shops have earned a reputation in neighborhoods across the United States for having delicious food, fun décor and fresh tunes making them “The Best Place for Lunch,” especially within the Charlotte area. Shak Patel, the sandwich shop’s owner, brings extensive senior management experience to running the shop. Patel plans to give back to the local neighborhood with an oven-warming event on Tuesday, May 8 in which VIP guests will be able to preview the shop and donate to Safe Alliance, an organization that provides hope and healing for people in crisis.
“I wouldn’t be able to open a second location without the outstanding fans that have made Potbelly a favorite,” said Patel. “It is an honor to be celebrating the success of the first location by opening another spot for more fans to enjoy our tasty sandwiches, salads and shakes. It’s an even greater honor to then have a third location in the works to serve even more fans.”
Patel opened the first Charlotte shop in January of 2017 and the momentum of that location has primed the market for a second shop. Hours of operation will be 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Patel will be opening four shops in total for the Charlotte area. In addition to the open locations in Latta Arcade and Piedmont, a third location is in development for the Ballantyne community and a fourth location is in the early stages of planning.
“Shak’s passion for what makes Potbelly so unique is truly inspiring, and he has all the tools he needs to make his second shop another best place for lunch in Charlotte,” says Jeff Welch, senior vice president of franchise development and operations for Potbelly Sandwich Shop. “We know he’ll continue to make his shops a perfect fit for Charlotte, and we’re excited to watch him expand the Potbelly footprint to make it everyone’s favorite hangout in the Charlotte area.”
Potbelly currently has 50-plus franchise shops domestically and internationally. The Potbelly franchise business looks for experienced multi-unit operators who have the drive to grow a great business opportunity.