The Chicago-based Potbelly Sandwich Shop chain is heating up in search for a franchisee to open a shop in Rochester.
"We believe we can have a great franchisee in Rochester," says Mike Walters, franchise zone manager. "This is one of the markets that we feel are very strong and we want to be there."
Potbelly serves hot sandwiches and sometimes hosts live music performances.
However, the company known for the cast-iron potbelly stoves in its shops, does not have a specific target date for opening a Rochester shop.
"We have to have the right people. There are a couple different candidates that are going through the process," he says.
ADVERTISEMENT
The goal is to find about 2,000-square-feet of space in a high-end retail area, according to Walters.
The chain's namesake stove commemorates how the first shop started as an antique store then evolved into an eatery. Expect customized woodwork within.
"These are definitely not cookie cutter shops. We want to be part of a community," he says. "We want to be a neighborhood sandwich shop."
About 20 to 30 people typically staff a Potbelly's.
