Member Article

Potbelly sets sights on UK expansion with London flagship opening

Potbelly, which has 400 outlets in the US, is opening its first UK store at Westfield Stratford.

The toasted sandwich company has announced plans to open 10 branches in the capital.

Akbar Sheikh, director of Potbelly’s UK partner Sheikh Holdings, said: “I like to think it will be a shot in the arm for London’s sandwich market. We think it is going to bring something new.

“We do something different. We are a fast-casual brand, part take-out, part sit-down. Is the goal to make it as big in the UK as the US? Absolutely.”

The chain will be competing with the likes of Pret a Manger in the capital, which recently announced it makes more than £10m a week in sales, Mr Sheikh, said: “Pret A Manger is a good example of where we think this could go. We’re focusing on central London and hoping to open at least 10 stores in the next five years.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .