How to Calculate Cost of Goods Sold for a Restaurant
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn the startup costs of opening an ice cream shop, including rent, equipment, renovations, permits, inventory, labor, marketing, and reserves.
Aug 28, 2026
A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
Aug 26, 2026
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
Learn practical ways to reduce labour costs through smarter scheduling, forecasting, productivity, cross-training, automation, overtime control, and performance monitoring strategies.
Aug 26, 2026
A payroll advance policy helps restaurant owners define eligibility, limits, repayment, documentation, approval procedures, and compliance requirements for employee advances.
Aug 24, 2026
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 2026
Levain Bakery appoints Lorna Sommerville and Taya Stenson as co-CEOs, blending operational and marketing expertise to power national expansion and innovation while staying rooted in its brand values.
Aug 25, 2026
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Explore how Potbelly transformed its operations to achieve growth and profitability. Discover the key strategies it implemented to navigate challenges and drive success.

Potbelly's CEO, Bob Wright, implemented a comprehensive five-pillar strategy that laid the foundation for the chain's resurgence. By focusing on boosting franchised development and enhancing digital brand awareness, Potbelly shifted its trajectory towards growth and profitability. This strategic shift enabled the company to drive topline growth, expand margins, and achieve compound growth, setting a solid path for sustained success.

Potbelly's commitment to menu innovation has been a key driver of customer engagement. Introducing popular items like the Prime Rib Steak Sandwich and incorporating customer feedback into menu development showcases the brand's responsiveness to market demands. By offering Limited Time Offers (LTOs) to test new flavors and leveraging the Underground Menu for exclusive items, Potbelly keeps its offerings fresh and enticing for customers.

Value remains central to Potbelly's operations, especially in the face of consumer price sensitivity. Wright's classification of value into intrinsic, everyday, and promotional levels demonstrates the brand's commitment to offering customers compelling reasons to choose Potbelly. Through initiatives like $7.99 combos and promotional deals via digital channels, Potbelly enhances its value proposition and fosters customer loyalty.

Potbelly's emphasis on digital growth and technology investments underlines its commitment to enhancing the customer experience. By revamping its digital assets, implementing a new point-of-sales system (PDCX), and investing in data infrastructure, the chain is gearing up for personalized customer interactions and operational efficiency. The shift towards digital channels, which accounted for over 42% of sales last quarter, reflects the brand's strategic alignment with evolving consumer preferences.
Potbelly's focus on store remodels, driven by the introduction of a small prototype concept, showcases its commitment to reinventing the in-store experience. By testing different remodel tiers and offering flexibility in design, the chain aims to enhance customer engagement and drive sales. The meticulous approach towards remodels highlights Potbelly's dedication to revitalizing its physical presence while delivering a superior customer experience.