Can Potbelly Sandwich Works designate and approve suppliers of Operating Assets?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must use in operating the Shop only those Operating Assets that we designate or approve for Potbelly Shops as meeting our standards and specifications for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. You may not install or use any unauthorized Operating Assets at the Shop. You agree to place or display at the Shop (interior and exterior) and on delivery/catering vehicles (if applicable) only the signs, emblems, lettering, logos, and display materials we periodically approve. You must purchase or lease approved brands, types, and models of Operating Assets only from suppliers we designate or approve (which may include and/or be limited to us and/or our affiliates).
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 79)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Potbelly Sandwich Works' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use only Operating Assets that Potbelly Sandwich Works designates or approves. These Operating Assets must meet Potbelly Sandwich Works' standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. Unauthorized Operating Assets are prohibited.
Potbelly Sandwich Works designates or approves the brands, types, and models of Operating Assets. Franchisees must purchase or lease approved Operating Assets only from suppliers that Potbelly Sandwich Works designates or approves, which may include Potbelly Sandwich Works itself or its affiliates.
Potbelly Sandwich Works has the right to re-inspect any supplier's products, services, and facilities and to revoke its approval of any item, service, or supplier. If a franchisee wants to use a product brand, ingredient, supply, or service that Potbelly Sandwich Works has not yet approved, the franchisee must notify Potbelly Sandwich Works and submit samples and other information for approval.