Under what condition does Potbelly Sandwich Works charge an architectural review fee?
Potbelly_Sandwich_Works Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are responsible for constructing and developing the Shop. We will give you template plans and drawings (the "Plans") for a Potbelly Shop's physical structure, exterior elements, and interior layout. We do not require you to use our approved architect for creating the Plans. However, our approved architect must review and accept the Plans. If you choose to use an
architect other than our approved architect, then we may charge you an architectural review fee of $2,000, which you must pay to us at the time of the review.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 14–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Potbelly Sandwich Works's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for the construction and development of their shop. Potbelly Sandwich Works provides template plans and drawings for the shop's physical structure, exterior elements, and interior layout. While franchisees are not required to use Potbelly Sandwich Works's approved architect for creating these plans, the plans must be reviewed and accepted by their approved architect.
If a franchisee chooses to use an architect other than Potbelly Sandwich Works's approved architect, they may be charged an architectural review fee of $2,000. This fee is payable to Potbelly Sandwich Works at the time of the review.
This policy allows franchisees some flexibility in choosing their own architects, but it also ensures that all shop designs meet Potbelly Sandwich Works's standards. The $2,000 fee could be considered an additional cost for franchisees who prefer to work with an architect outside of the franchisor's network.