Potbelly Sandwich has expanded so rapidly in recent years and will most likely become the next household restaurant name. Also, Potbelly’s success on its IPO revealed its tremendous potential to become a national brand in the world. What is Potbelly’s core value that makes it so successful in the market?

I think the key point of Potbelly Sandwich’s success is the shared value created by the company. Though they have a lot of stores located in U.S and Middle East, the stores are distinctive from each other because it is decorated with items and some funky antiques that match the local culture. This could attract more customers because people in that location will think that Potbelly is unique among all its competitors. Potbelly creates shared value not only by selling sandwich there but also by blending itself into local culture to tie their relationships with local consumers.

Moreover, training for Potbelly’s employees is special as well. After working at a training store, Jacob, hired as Porbelly’s assistant manager, says that they were not just teaching him how to make a sandwich. They taught him skills and values that can apply anywhere he goes in life. Having well-trained employees who know well about the company’s culture and value proposition is probably the second most important reason that Potbelly becomes so successful.