Potbelly Signs 20-Unit Agreement in Denver Metro Area
Potbelly has signed a 20-unit franchise agreement with Red Butte Hospitality to expand in the Denver metro area, building upon its existing presence in Colorado. The agreement will prioritize high-visibility locations in suburban areas, aiming to enhance the brand's community connection and operational excellence.
For franchise investors and multi-unit operators, this development signals the potential for increased market presence and revenue in the growing Denver area, reflecting a strategic move by a well-known brand that could influence investor interest.
Potbelly, a well-known sandwich shop brand, has entered into a significant franchise development agreement to open 20 new locations in the Denver metro area. The deal is with Red Butte Hospitality (RBH), led by partners Vince Burkett and Jeremy Carl. This agreement builds on Potbelly’s existing footprint of 10 locations in Colorado and is part of the brand’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets.
The Denver area presents strong opportunities due to its vibrant and outdoor-oriented community, making it a suitable market for Potbelly's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a community-centric dining experience. Burkett, overseeing the overall growth strategy for RBH, and Carl, handling site development and operational execution, plan to target high-visibility suburban locations around Denver. Specific areas of focus include Highlands Ranch, Westminster, Aurora, Arvada, and Brighton.
Burkett expressed a personal connection to Potbelly, highlighting the restaurant's "energy and comfort," and emphasizing the goal of creating consistent and welcoming dining experiences that resonate with local communities. With experience in technology and business scaling, Burkett aims to leverage his background to support growth in the franchise sector. Carl brings nearly 20 years of restaurant industry expertise, which includes site development and multi-unit operations.
He plans to implement strategies that ensure operational excellence while fostering a high-quality dining atmosphere at each new location. Carl’s insights into the dynamic growth of the Denver market, driven by increasing residential and commercial activity, confirm Potbelly's strategic placement in neighborhoods that can benefit from its offerings. Additionally, this franchise agreement allows RBH to participate in Potbelly's 50/50 Large Area Developer Incentive Program, which serves to support franchise partners committed to expansion.
This agreement underscores Potbelly's focus on establishing a robust presence in growing markets and enhancing its connection with the local communities it serves.