What computer hardware and software is Potbelly Sandwich Works required to specify for franchisees?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must obtain and use the computer-hardware and software we specify, including required computer, point-of-sale, and other electronic information systems, a high-speed Internet connection, and all equipment components and software necessary for you to accept and process Potbelly gift, loyalty, and rewards cards and participate in our gift card, customer loyalty, rewards,
We and our affiliates may condition any license to you of required or recommended proprietary software, and/or your use of technology developed or maintained by or for us, on your signing the software license agreement or similar document, or otherwise agreeing to the terms (for example, by acknowledging your consent to and accepting the terms of a click-through or other shrink-wrapped license agreement), we and our affiliates require to regulate your use of the software or technology. We and our affiliates may charge you up-front and ongoing weekly, monthly, or other fees for any required or recommended proprietary software or technology licensed to you and for other maintenance, support, and access services provided during the franchise term.
Despite the fact that you must buy, use, and maintain the computer system according to our standards and specifications, you are responsible for (1) the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of the computer system; (2) the manner in which your computer system interfaces with our and any third party's computer system; and (3) any and all consequences if the computer system is not properly operated, maintained, and upgraded. The computer system permits 24 hours per day, 7 days per week electronic communications between you and us, including access to the Internet and our then-current System Website and Intranet.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Potbelly Sandwich Works' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to obtain and use computer hardware and software that Potbelly Sandwich Works specifies. This includes the required computer, point-of-sale, and other electronic information systems. Franchisees must also have a high-speed internet connection. The system must also include all equipment components and software necessary to accept and process Potbelly gift, loyalty, and rewards cards and participate in their gift card, customer loyalty, and rewards programs.
Potbelly Sandwich Works may require franchisees to sign a software license agreement to use proprietary software. Franchisees may also be charged up-front and ongoing weekly, monthly, or other fees for any required or recommended proprietary software or technology licensed to them and for other maintenance, support, and access services provided during the franchise term.
Although Potbelly Sandwich Works requires franchisees to buy, use, and maintain the computer system according to their standards, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of the computer system. They are also responsible for how their computer system interfaces with Potbelly Sandwich Works' system or any third party's system. Finally, the franchisee is responsible for any consequences if the computer system is not properly operated, maintained, and upgraded. The computer system allows for 24/7 electronic communication between the franchisee and Potbelly Sandwich Works, including access to the Internet and their System Website and Intranet.