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Potbelly

Financing

With its Potbelly acquisition, RaceTrac enters uncharted territory

 By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 27, 2025

The Bottom Line: There has never been a purchase of a restaurant chain the size of the sandwich brand Potbelly by a convenience-store brand. History suggests it could be a difficult road.

Financing

RaceTrac completes $566M acquisition of Potbelly

 By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 23, 2025

The fast-casual sandwich chain is officially part of one of the nation’s largest convenience-store chains, opening a huge path for growth. CEO Bob Wright to step down at the end of 2025.

Financing

Potbelly, RaceTrac and the blurring lines of foodservice

By Joe Guszkowski and Lisa Jennings on Sep. 12, 2025

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast features a look at the Potbelly-RaceTrac deal, Portillo's strategic shift and restaurant delivery.

Operations

Potbelly's sale to RaceTrac signals growing intensity in fight between fast food and convenience stores

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 10, 2025

As c-stores capture record foodservice sales and outpace QSR growth, the sandwich chain's $566 million acquisition underscores a shift in America's quick-service landscape—with most consumers now viewing c-stores as serious restaurant competitors.

Financing

Potbelly to be sold to the convenience-store chain RaceTrac for $566M

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 10, 2025

The Chicago-based sandwich chain, which has seen improved sales of late and a soaring share price, will be sold to the Atlanta-based convenience-store retailer at $17 per share.

Financing

Value and steak drove Potbelly's sales last quarter

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 07, 2025

The fast-casual sandwich chain raised guidance for the year after same-store sales grew 3.6%, thanks to everyday value and a Prime Rib Steak sandwich.

Operations

Potbelly offers incentives to get franchisees to open units faster

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 10, 2025

The Chicago-based fast-casual sandwich shop is also planning to open more company units, now that the franchise ball is rolling.

Food

Potbelly expands core menu without overcomplicating things

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 11, 2024

Behind the Menu: Four new sauces, two sandwiches and two toppings provide more choice and encourage customization without burdening operations.

Operations

Potbelly mutes refranchising to make way for new unit growth

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 08, 2024

CEO Bob Wright wants the fast-casual sandwich chain to be 85% franchised and selling company units was a catalyst. So far, it's working.

Financing

Activist investor pushes Potbelly to consider sale

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 21, 2024

Immersion Investments LLC contends the fast-casual chain is undervalued. In an open letter, the firm urged the board to take urgent action to increase shareholder value.

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