What training is required for a new Managing Owner of a Potbelly Sandwich Works franchise?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If your Managing Owner transfers his or her ownership interest in you during this Agreement's term, you agree to appoint a new Managing Owner (whom we must approve), and to have that new Managing Owner attend and satisfactorily complete the training we require for Managing Owners (the length and substance of which may depend on whether you operate only the Shop or operate multiple Potbelly Shops), within the timeframe we specify.
(a) Now that you have signed this Agreement, we will conduct a training program for the Managing Owner at no additional charge. Our training program is scheduled to be approximately six (6) weeks, and the Managing Owner must also attend a four (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.
We may require the Managing Owner, to attend and satisfactorily complete up to eight (8) days of supplemental training during each year of the Term at the times and locations we designate. We may charge reasonable registration or similar fees for these courses. Besides attending supplemental training, at least one of your representatives (whom we approve) must, at our request, attend an annual convention of all Potbelly Shop franchisees for up to three (3) days at a location we designate. You must pay our then-current convention fee and all costs to attend.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 79)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Potbelly Sandwich Works' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a Managing Owner transfers their ownership interest, the new Managing Owner must attend and satisfactorily complete the training that Potbelly Sandwich Works requires. The length and substance of this training may vary depending on whether the franchisee operates a single Potbelly Sandwich Works location or multiple locations. The FDD states that the training timeframe will be specified by Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Potbelly Sandwich Works also provides initial training for a Managing Owner after the Franchise Agreement is signed. This initial training program is approximately six weeks long, and the Managing Owner must also attend a four-day owner training course at a designated Potbelly Sandwich Works location. This training must occur before the Potbelly Sandwich Works shop opens. The training focuses on the Potbelly Sandwich Works' philosophy, system standards, and the material aspects of operating a Potbelly Sandwich Works shop, excluding aspects relating to labor relations and employment practices.
The Managing Owner is responsible for all travel and living expenses, wages, and worker's compensation insurance costs incurred during training. If Potbelly Sandwich Works determines that the Managing Owner cannot complete the initial training to their satisfaction, and a replacement cannot satisfactorily complete a repeat training program, Potbelly Sandwich Works may terminate the Franchise Agreement, and the initial franchise fee is not refundable. After the initial training, the Potbelly Sandwich Works shop must always have a trained General Manager on staff to maintain the quality of the products and the Potbelly Sandwich Works brand. If a trained General Manager leaves, a replacement must be appointed and begin training within 30 days.
Potbelly Sandwich Works may also require the Managing Owner to attend and satisfactorily complete up to eight days of supplemental training each year of the term at designated times and locations. Potbelly Sandwich Works may charge reasonable registration or similar fees for these courses. In addition to supplemental training, at least one approved representative must attend an annual convention of all Potbelly Sandwich Works franchisees for up to three days at a designated location. The franchisee must pay the then-current convention fee and all costs to attend.