Potbelly Corp. has nearly 50 locations in various stages of development throughout Florida.

Over the past year, the Chicago-based brand has finalized multi-unit agreements with five franchise groups to develop 46 shops in Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Broward County, Gainesville and Panama City.

"Florida as a whole holds immense promise for Potbelly, and we are strategically expanding in the Sunshine State to reach our potential," Lynette McKee, senior vice president of franchising at Potbelly, said in a company press release. "With experienced franchise groups ready to showcase the Potbelly difference, I have no doubt that we will continue to grow our loyal customer base as we bring our brand to new regions across the state."

Potbelly plans to identify accomplished restaurant owner/operator groups in the state's other key markets including Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, additional areas of Orlando and Tampa, West Palm Beach and Miami and is also looking for experienced franchise partners to lead development across the state border in Mobile, Alabama.

As Potbelly continues to attract multi-unit franchise groups, ideal candidates should be able to meet the required financial criteria, have restaurant operations experience, strong entrepreneurial skillsets, focused problem-solving skills, and enjoy working with others, according to the release. Qualified franchise candidates benefit from the sandwich concept's flexible shop designs, including inline, endcap, drive-thru and non-traditional locations, which are equipped with tech-enabled enhancements to foster in-shop, take-out and delivery dining, McKee said.

Potbelly has a long-term goal of reaching 2,000 shops over the next 10 years, with at least 85% of those locations being franchised.

Founded in 1977 in Chicago, Potbelly has over 425 shops.

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