How it all began...

Quiet antique store grows into happening sandwich shop.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop began in 1977 as a small antique store run by a nice young couple.  Despite the fast-paced, never-a-dull-moment world of antique dealing, the couple decided to bolster their business by making sandwiches for their customers.  What began as a lark, turned out to be a stroke of genius.  Soon, people who couldn't care less about vintage glass doorknobs were stopping by to enjoy special sandwiches and homemade desserts in this unusual atmosphere.

As the years passed, the lines grew.  Booths were added, along with ovens for toasting sandwiches to perfection, vista-coolers, napkin dispensers, hand-dipped ice cream - even live music.  The little antique shop had become a full-fledged, totally unique sandwich joint.  Then in 1996, an entrepreneurial young man by the name of Bryant Keil bought the original store on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.  Together with his team, Bryant obsessed over every detail of each new store, making sure that they maintained the same charm and heritage.  Now, more than 200 shops later, we hope you find that same magic in your neighborhood Potbelly.