Las Vegas — Potbelly Sandwich Shop has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 shops in the Las Vegas market. Eric Persson, an experienced, multi-brand restaurant operator and owner, will be bringing Potbelly to the area. The deal marks the brand’s entry into the region.
“I’m thrilled to break into the fast-casual restaurant segment with a proven brand,” says Persson, who is a longtime local Las Vegas resident and an accomplished entrepreneur. “Potbelly hits the mark on exactly what I am seeking to diversify my portfolio. I’m excited to help grow the brand and bring it to a new market.”
Persson is the co-founder and co-owner of Maverick Gaming LLC, a group that currently owns the Wendover Nugget, Red Garter Hotel, Red Lion Casino and the Gold Country Casino, all in northern Nevada, and more than 10 casinos in Washington state. Additionally, Persson owns 40 stand-alone restaurants in the Las Vegas and Phoenix markets.
“Eric is the perfect fit to bring Potbelly to Nevada. His multi-unit group is just what we’re looking for to open our franchise locations,” says Peter Ortiz, vice president of franchise development for Potbelly.
The deal with Las Vegas comes on the heels of Potbelly nearly doubling its franchise footprint with recent multi-unit agreements totaling 38 units spanning Tampa, Fla.; Modesto, Concord and Santa Clarita, Calif.; Lake Grove, N.Y.; and the Carolinas. In addition, Potbelly has opened a number of franchise stores this year, including recently opened shops in Irvine, Calif.; Odessa, Texas; Richmond, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, Va.; Rochester, Minn.; and Charlotte, N.C.
Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country. Currently, there are more than 450 corporate and franchise Potbelly shops in the United States. For more information, visit www.Potbelly.com and www.potbelly.com/franchising.
SOURCE: Potbelly Sandwich Shop