10 Essential Restaurant Apps Every Owner Needs
Discover how restaurant apps help owners manage labor, payroll, inventory, food safety, reporting, and back-office operations more efficiently every day.
Jul 24, 2026
Discover how restaurant apps help owners manage labor, payroll, inventory, food safety, reporting, and back-office operations more efficiently every day.
Jul 24, 2026
Fogo de Chão has announced Daniel Duran as its new CFO, marking a strategic leadership transition designed to enhance global growth and financial innovation for the renowned restaurant brand.
Jul 24, 2026
Cicis Pizza’s systemwide sales have surged over 50%, fueled by digital innovation, modern operations, and a revamped franchise strategy. Learn what restaurant owners can take away from Cicis’ transformation.
Jul 24, 2026
Learn how to calculate, benchmark, track, and improve restaurant payroll percentage while balancing staffing costs, sales, service, and profitability effectively.
Jul 24, 2026
Stay compliant with key restaurant labor regulations in Summer 2026, including minimum wage increases, scheduling laws, and retirement requirements.
Jul 24, 2026
KFC Global has selected experienced leader Maria Cacciapuoti as its new Chief Operations Officer. Discover how her extensive expertise will help shape KFC’s global operations and franchise partnerships.
Jul 23, 2026
Portillo’s welcomes industry veteran Christopher Hansen as Executive Chef and Senior Director of Culinary Innovation to steer menu strategy and fuel national growth.
Jul 23, 2026
Ziggi’s Coffee welcomes Stacey Pool as Chief Growth Officer to spearhead national expansion and enhance franchise profitability as the brand celebrates a decade of franchising success.
Jul 23, 2026
Cinnabon grows 30% in U.S. units, adding 308 net stores as flexible formats expand into travel centers and convenience; 95 more openings forecast and 359 in pipeline.
Jul 22, 2026
QDOBA targets 2,000 restaurants in 10 years, powered by franchising and recent securitizations, aiming for $5B sales, $2.7M AUV, and 28% margins.
Jul 22, 2026
Explore how Potbelly's innovative approach to store design is reshaping franchise operations, boosting efficiency, and driving cost savings.


Potbelly's introduction of a smaller store design represents a significant shift in the franchise industry, aiming to combat inflation and enhance operational efficiency. With a reduced footprint of 1,800 square feet, this new prototype integrates cutting-edge features like a customized-drink station and strategically positioned pickup shelves. By streamlining the layout and optimizing space utilization, Potbelly is setting a new standard for operational effectiveness within its franchise network.
CEO Bob Wright's emphasis on cost-effective solutions underscores the importance of the new store design in mitigating inflationary pressures. The smaller footprint not only leads to lower construction expenses but also facilitates quicker build times, offering a competitive edge in a challenging market environment. With over 200 future shops projected to adopt this design, Potbelly is poised to achieve its ambitious goal of 2,000 units in the U.S., signaling accelerated growth and enhanced franchisee satisfaction.

The 'kit of parts' approach to the new prototype allows franchisees to adapt the design to various real estate settings, increasing flexibility and expanding market opportunities. By optimizing the layout and construction process, Potbelly is not only reducing occupancy costs but also empowering franchisees to make efficient and informed real estate decisions. This adaptability opens doors to new locations and market segments previously inaccessible to larger-format stores.
The incorporation of Potbelly Digital Kitchens and streamlined pickup processes in the new design underscores the company's commitment to enhancing customer experience. By centralizing digital order fulfillment and optimizing service flow, Potbelly is meeting the evolving needs of a tech-savvy consumer base. The consistent digital signage and ergonomic layout not only improve operational efficiency but also create a more seamless and personalized experience for patrons.
Potbelly's focus on sustainability, evidenced by in-house manufacturing and recycling initiatives, aligns with modern consumer preferences for eco-conscious brands. By prioritizing locally sourced materials and custom artwork, Potbelly maintains a unique brand identity while reducing environmental impact. The combination of handmade elements and neighborhood-specific artwork cultivates a sense of community and authenticity, setting Potbelly apart in a competitive market landscape.