Who does Potbelly Sandwich Works train before the Shop opens?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After you sign the Franchise Agreement, we will train the Managing Owner . Our training program is scheduled to be approximately 6 weeks, and the Managing Owner must also attend a 4 day owner training course at a designated training Potbelly Shop. Training must occur before your Shop opens. Training focuses on our philosophy, System Standards, and the material aspects of operating a Potbelly Shop, excluding aspects relating to labor relations and employment practices. These training programs are held at a certified training location and/or designated training Potbelly Shop we designate.
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's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company trains the Managing Owner before the Shop opens. The training program is scheduled for approximately 6 weeks, and the Managing Owner must also attend a 4-day owner training course at a designated Potbelly Shop training location.
The training focuses on Potbelly Sandwich Works's philosophy, System Standards, and the material aspects of operating a Potbelly Shop, but it excludes aspects relating to labor relations and employment practices. These training programs are held at a certified training location and/or a designated training Potbelly Shop.
Potbelly Sandwich Works also provides an opening team to assist with the grand opening process for a franchisee's first shop. This team helps train supervisory employees on the company's philosophy and System Standards, excluding matters related to labor relations and employment practices. If the franchisee designates a new Managing Owner, that new Managing Owner must complete the then-current training program to Potbelly Sandwich Works's satisfaction within a specified timeframe. The franchisee is responsible for all travel and living expenses incurred during all training courses and programs.