KNOXVILLE, MARYVILLE, PIGEON FORGE, SEVIERVILLE - Potbelly Sandwich Works is bringing its iconic, crave-worthy sandwiches and welcoming neighborhood vibe to East Tennessee! The beloved Chicago-born sandwich shop has teamed up with the Patel family—a seasoned local ownership group—to open four new locations across Knoxville, Maryville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

Potbelly Sandwich Works is bringing its iconic, crave-worthy sandwiches and welcoming neighborhood vibe to East Tennessee! The beloved Chicago-born sandwich shop has teamed up with the Patel family—a seasoned local ownership group—to open four new locations across Knoxville, Maryville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

With roots firmly planted in the Knoxville community and over a decade of experience in convenience, foodservice, and hospitality, Nick, Kenny, and Ronnie Patel are perfectly positioned to introduce Potbelly’s unique fast-casual dining experience to both locals and visitors. They first discovered Potbelly during a trip to Chicago and instantly recognized the opportunity to fill a niche in the Knoxville market that blends high-quality, craveable menu offerings with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Patels’ hands-on approach and deep ties to the region ensure each new Potbelly will feel like a true neighborhood hub—supporting local events, engaging with Chambers of Commerce, and creating spaces where community spirit thrives alongside toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes, and baked cookies.

Jennifer Durham, Potbelly’s SVP of Franchising and Development, praises the partnership: “Nick, Kenny and Ronnie bring operational excellence and a genuine connection to their market, embodying the kind of franchise operators who drive our growth forward.”

As Knoxville and its surrounding communities flourish with growing populations, tourism, and economic development, the stage is set for Potbelly’s expansion. This latest franchise agreement is a meaningful stride in Potbelly’s Southeast U.S. growth strategy, as the brand eyes reaching 500 shops nationwide by 2026—with a strong emphasis on community, operational simplicity, and long-term success.

In nearly 50 years since its founding in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has become synonymous with good vibes and great sandwiches, ranking among the fast casual sector’s top-performing concepts and earning recognition as one of the “Best Places to Work” by QSRmagazine. With the Patel family leading the charge in East Tennessee, Potbelly’s next chapter promises to be as flavorful and neighborhood-focused as ever.

For those interested in franchising opportunities, more information is available at potbelly.com/franchising. Here’s to tasty sandwiches and vibrant communities—Potbelly is ready to make its mark on East Tennessee, one toasted sandwich at a time!

With roots firmly planted in the Knoxville community and over a decade of experience in convenience, foodservice, and hospitality, Nick, Kenny, and Ronnie Patel are perfectly positioned to introduce Potbelly’s unique fast-casual dining experience to both locals and visitors. They first discovered Potbelly during a trip to Chicago and instantly recognized the opportunity to fill a niche in the Knoxville market that blends high-quality, craveable menu offerings with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Patels’ hands-on approach and deep ties to the region ensure each new Potbelly will feel like a true neighborhood hub—supporting local events, engaging with Chambers of Commerce, and creating spaces where community spirit thrives alongside toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes, and baked cookies.

Jennifer Durham, Potbelly’s SVP of Franchising and Development, praises the partnership: “Nick, Kenny and Ronnie bring operational excellence and a genuine connection to their market, embodying the kind of franchise operators who drive our growth forward.”

As Knoxville and its surrounding communities flourish with growing populations, tourism, and economic development, the stage is set for Potbelly’s expansion. This latest franchise agreement is a meaningful stride in Potbelly’s Southeast U.S. growth strategy, as the brand eyes reaching 500 shops nationwide by 2026—with a strong emphasis on community, operational simplicity, and long-term success.

In nearly 50 years since its founding in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has become synonymous with good vibes and great sandwiches, ranking among the fast casual sector’s top-performing concepts and earning recognition as one of the “Best Places to Work” by QSRmagazine. With the Patel family leading the charge in East Tennessee, Potbelly’s next chapter promises to be as flavorful and neighborhood-focused as ever.

For those interested in franchising opportunities, more information is available at potbelly.com/franchising. Here’s to tasty sandwiches and vibrant communities—Potbelly is ready to make its mark on East Tennessee, one toasted sandwich at a time!