Potbelly Warms up the Gold Coast

Potbelly announced today the opening of its newest neighborhood shop at 57 E. Chicago at the corner of Chicago and Rush Street in Chicago’s world-renowned Gold Coast community.

Dino Northway is the general manager and will head the brand’s new operations in the Gold Coast. A resident of Chicago’s Northwest Side, Northway has been a general manager for Potbelly for the past three years at the Randolph and Franklin shop in Chicago’s Loop. Before joining Potbelly, he was a foodservice store manager for 13 years. Northway attended college in Florida and participated in the University of Florida’s summer program teaching a water ecology class for the 4-H youth development organization.

Northway and his team of associates are eager to serve area residents the best-tasting sandwiches, salads, soups and more and look forward to becoming the new local hangout where friends can gather for food, music and conversation. The location is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Born from humble beginnings as an antique shop known for offering homemade sandwiches to its customers, Potbelly has grown to more than 200 neighborhood locations. Potbelly has amassed a cult-like following, building its reputation as a mealtime hangout spot, where great food, friends, eclectic décor and live, local music combine to create an atmosphere unlike any other. [img][img][/img][/img]

Please note, I work on the PR campaign for Potbelly.

cdodge wrote:Please note, I work on the PR campaign for Potbelly.

Thanks. But there were a couple of dead give aways

cdodge wrote:Please note, I work on the PR campaign for Potbelly.

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for the moderators

at chicagaobusiness.com, Ally Marotti wrote:Potbelly warned shareholders in May 2020 that the company might not make it through the year. Now, almost five years into a turnaround plan, the Chicago-based sandwich chain is showing signs of growth at a time when some restaurants are struggling.

The company recently reported first-quarter net income of $85,000, up from a loss of almost $2.7 million during the same period in 2024. Sales at stores open at least 15 months, a hotly watched growth metric, were up 0.9%, compared to a 0.2% decrease during the first quarter last year. The earnings beat analysts’ estimates, and tickled shareholders. Potbelly’s share price is up about 20% to $10.62 since it reported earnings last month. For comparison, the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index is down about 2% during the same period.

Potbelly’s growth — albeit slow — indicates that the turnaround strategy CEO Bob Wright launched in late 2020 is taking hold. The chain has closed underperforming stores and expanded its franchisee base. It has pushed digital sales, leaned on its revamped loyalty program, and added new menu items to differentiate it from competitors. Under Wright, Potbelly’s share price has gone from less than $3 to more than $10. The company hasn’t completed its 180 yet, but experts say it’s headed in the right direction.

“The little things have started to pay off,” said R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at location analytics company Placer.ai. “There’s still more for the turnaround, but for a company that’s struggled to find its way in the past … it’s encouraging.”

Unlocked gift link:
Five years in, Potbelly's turnaround plan is taking hold

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