Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Long before the sandwiches were toasted and cookies were on the straws, there was a young couple who owned an antique shop. This quirky shop of memories was doing well, but the determined pair knew they could always do better.

They decided to start serving lunch to their curious, collecting customers. Little did they know that the simple sandwiches served in this unique atmosphere would cause such a fuss, with lines reaching out the door and around the corner. As time passed the "little antique shop that could" was slowly turning into quite the lunchtime getaway, complete with toasty warm sandwiches, homemade desserts and even live music.

In 1996, an ambitious, entrepreneurial young man named Bryant Keil bought the original store on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Together with his team, Bryant set out to spread the Potbelly love across the country, creating shops with the same neighborhood feel as the original.

Today, the magic continues with more than 280 Potbelly Sandwich Shops in neighborhoods around the country.

All year long (save for the usual holidays) a local musician performs live at Potbelly Sandwich Shop. It's been part of the Potbelly experience since we opened in 1977.

Today, we like to think that we are probably the world's largest purveyor of live music (at least when it comes to the number of music venues). So treat yourself to the tunes of a neighborhood musician– a perfect compliment to your lunch.