Sandwich slinger Potbelly has its sights set on the Southeast, the Midwest and Texas as it plans to open about 50 locations in those regions at an undetermined date in the future.
The company is looking to open 32 Potbelly Sandwich Works locations in Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, South Carolina, Texas and Utah and 22 stores in Arkansas, Georgia and Kentucky, according to a company spokeswoman. Potbelly declined to provide specific addresses for the new locations.
The expansion comes as other fast-food and casual-dining restaurant chains are also accelerating new-store development, despite recent closings of Red Lobster locations and other chains. Yum Brands recently said it’s opening new locations of its Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands, while Bloomin’ Brands also said it’s maintaining its expansion plans for Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants it owns.
Potbelly’s expansion plans would mark its entrance into two new states: Georgia and South Carolina.
As for this year, Potbelly expects to open at least 30 new locations with many of those new stores already operating. Some of the new locations include Wilmington, North Carolina, and Springfield, Illinois.
Potbelly operated 663 locations nationwide as of Aug. 21 through 33 franchise groups. In March of this year, Potbelly announced new franchisee agreements with four companies: RTA Restaurant Group, Sugarland Investment Group, I’m a Wreck and MSS Fort Liberty.
Potbelly was founded in Chicago in 1977. It’s known for its oven-baked submarine sandwiches, salads and made-to-order milkshakes.
Updated Nov. 8 to clarify the stores are expected to open at an undetermined date in the future.