Florida based Royal Restaurant Group this week announced a 40-unit deal that includes new locations in Columbus, as well as in the Sunshine State. The restaurant group plans to bring 17 more Potbelly sandwich shops to the greater Columbus region over the next eight years. Also included in the multi-unit agreement, is the group’s re-franchising of four existing Potbelly locations in Columbus, which are located in Dublin and Polaris, as well as two in Columbus proper, on High Street and Olentangy River Road.
What Now Columbus spoke to Randy Pianin, CEO and co-founder of Royal Restaurant Group, who shared that the company hopes to open its fifth location somewhere in the greater Columbus region by the end of 2024. From there, the company plans to continue its expansion throughout the next several years.
Although established earlier this year, Royal Restaurant Group’s co-founders combined bring over 60 years of experience in the restaurant, hospitality and multi-unit franchise industries. In addition to Potbelly, the company’s portfolio also includes 24 Burger King restaurants in the greater Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area.
Known for serving toasted sub-style sandwiches loaded with melted cheese, meat and veggies, Potbelly started as a single shop in Chicago in 1977, began expanding in 1996, and had grown to 250 locations within 12 years, according to information on its website. Currently, the company has shops in over 30 U.S. states.
The menu includes toasted sandwiches, soups, salads, cookies and milkshakes. In addition to meaty sammies like mama’s meatball, grilled chicken and steakhouse beef, the eatery also offers a veggie melt sandwich loaded with fresh vegetables, melted cheese, avocado and mushrooms. The soup choices range from comforting selections like chili, loaded baked potato and broccoli cheddar to garden vegetable as well as creamy mac and cheese.
