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QSRRevenue OnlyItem 19: ✓ DisclosedHigh Confidence · 90/100

Potbelly Sandwich Works Franchise Cost and Profit

FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Potbelly Sandwich Works.

Based on 2018 FDD · 4 filings in corpus

FranchiseIQ Score
68
B
Moderate-Low Risk
Composite score from 3 risk dimensions. Click for breakdown ↓
Health Score
B
70/100
5/7 metrics · High confidence
Full analysis unlocks:
✓ Cash-on-Cash return
✓ Payback period
✓ SBA default rate
✓ Red flags assessment
✓ Comparable franchises
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Cost and profit at a glance

How much does a Potbelly Sandwich Works franchise cost and make?

Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Potbelly Sandwich Works franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $504K – $849K. Reported owner economics show $44K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.

Startup Cost
$504K – $849K
Total initial investment
Profit / Revenue
$44K
FDD Item 19 signal
Payback Signal
15.2 years
Modeled return metric
SBA Default Rate
0.0%
Loan repayment history
Compare franchise costs →Estimate franchise ROI →Check SBA default rates →Browse QSR franchises →Compare similar franchises →

Quick fee read: $40K franchise fee · 8.5% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.

Free decision snapshot

Before you talk to Potbelly Sandwich Works, check the numbers buyers usually miss.

The unlocked report ties this brand's FDD disclosures to SBA outcomes, Item 20 movement, fee load, missing-data labels, and buyer assumptions — so you can decide whether this is worth deeper diligence.

FDD disclosure qualitySBA default outcomesItem 20 unit movementFee/cost stressComparable brands
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Total Investment Range$504K – $849K
MinMid: $676KMax

Key Metrics

Franchise Fee
$40K
Royalty Rate
6%
Ad Fund Rate
2.5%
Total Burden
8.5%
Royalty + ad fund
Units (2023)
39
Net Unit Growth
→ -
Year over year
Cash-on-Cash Return
6.6%
Annual estimated return
Payback Period
15.2 yrs
Break-even timeline
SBA Default Rate
0.0%
vs ~7.2% industry avg
Median Revenue
$988K
Item 19 disclosed
Premium Data

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CoC ReturnPayback PeriodSBA Default RateMedian RevenueEbitda MarginRisk Score
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Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.

Potbelly Sandwich Works vs. QSR Average

MetricPotbelly Sandwich WorksQSR Avg
SBA Default Rate0.0%▲9.4%
Cash-on-Cash Return6.6%▼14.2%
Total Investment$676K$380K

Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.

SBA Loan Performance

Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2014-2018). 14 loans across 9 states.

Default Rate
0.0%
Low Risk
Total SBA Loans
14
9 states
Total Loan Volume
$6.5M
SBA 7(a) approved
Avg Loan Size
$463K
Per franchisee
Loan Status Breakdown
10
Paid in Full (71%)
4
Currently Active
0
Charged Off
$0
Total Charged Off ($)
● Paid● Active● Charged Off

Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.

Compare

Potbelly Sandwich Works vs Chick-fil-A, Inc.Potbelly Sandwich Works vs Loving CupPotbelly Sandwich Works vs Donut King

Similar Franchises · QSR

Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Revenue Only
$427K–$2.3M
Loving Cup
No Item 19
$166K–$242K
Donut King
Limited Data
$211K–$332K
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
$427K – $2.3M
Loving Cup
$166K – $242K
Donut King
$211K – $332K
Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar
$210K – $264K

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Questions to Ask Before You Sign

5 data-driven questions every Potbelly Sandwich Works franchise buyer should ask.

  1. 1.What is Potbelly Sandwich Works's SBA default rate compared to its competitors?Learn more →
  2. 2.Does Potbelly Sandwich Works disclose Item 19 financial performance representations?Learn more →
  3. 3.What is the net unit growth trend over the past 3 years?Learn more →
  4. 4.What is the franchisee termination and transfer rate per Item 20?Learn more →
  5. 5.What do the FDD litigation disclosures (Item 3) reveal about franchisor legal history?Learn more →
Generate attorney questions for Potbelly Sandwich Works →Validation call guide →
Data sourced from publicly filed Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) submitted to state franchise regulators. SBA loan data from public SBA 7(a) records. Information reflects the most recent FDD filing in our database and may not reflect current terms. Always verify with the franchisor's current FDD before making any investment decision. Not legal or financial advice.

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