Potbelly to launch in the UK
Chicago-based Potbelly Sandwich Shop is to open its first outlet in the UK at the Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre this summer.
Potbelly Franchising has signed a master franchise agreement with Buraq Retail (Potbelly), a company backed by Sheikh Holdings, to open a 1,870 square foot, 90-cover site at the centre.
The company, which sells toasted sandwiches, made-to-order salads and cookies, is embarking on a period of rapid international expansion. Potbelly and Buraq Retail plan to open 10 London stores in the next five years with a focus on high footfall locations across high streets, shopping centres and transport hubs.
The expansion is being led by chief executive Alwyn Lewis whose former roles include chief executive of Sears Holdings and president of Yum! Brands.
Lewis said: “Potbelly is continuing our international growth alongside our consistent US expansion of between 48 and 55 new units per year. We’re hugely excited to be bringing our legendary sandwiches to the UK for the first time. It’s a market we’ve been watching closely and Sheikh Holdings are the perfect partners to represent the brand going forward in the UK.”
The company said it will introduce some new sandwiches for the British market and will open from breakfast time until the evening. As in the US, local musicians will perform live in the stores during the day.
