What are System Standards for a Potbelly Sandwich Works franchise designed to preserve?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge and agree that operating and maintaining the Shop in compliance with System Standards are essential to preserve the goodwill of the Marks and all Potbelly Shops. Therefore, you agree to operate and maintain the Shop at all times in compliance with all System Standards, as we periodically issue, modify, and supplement them, even if you believe that a System Standard, as originally issued or subsequently modified, is not in the Franchise System's or the Shop's best interests. Although we retain the right to establish and periodically modify System Standards, you retain the right to control, and responsibility for, the Shop's management and operation and implementing and maintaining System Standards at the Shop. System Standards may regulate any and all of the following:
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 79)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Potbelly Sandwich Works' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, maintaining compliance with the System Standards is crucial for preserving the goodwill associated with the Potbelly Sandwich Shop Marks and the entire network of Potbelly Shops. These standards are periodically issued, modified, and supplemented by Potbelly Sandwich Works, and franchisees are obligated to adhere to them. This obligation exists even if a franchisee believes a particular standard isn't in the best interest of their individual shop or the franchise system as a whole.
While Potbelly Sandwich Works retains the right to establish and modify these System Standards, the franchisee maintains control over the shop's management and operation, including the implementation and upkeep of these standards. The System Standards can regulate various aspects of the business.
System Standards are included in the Operations Manual, which franchisees have access to. The Operations Manual may consist of audio, video, computer software, other Electronic Media and/or written and other tangible materials. Potbelly Sandwich Works may modify the substance of the Operations Manual periodically to reflect changes in System Standards and a franchisee's other operating requirements.