Amid a Time of Struggles, Potbelly Unveils a New Ordering Process

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good sandwich (or milkshake) from Potbelly? Well, apparently a significant number of people, as the company reported sales decreases of 3% in the third quarter of this year. This then led  the hot sandwich shop to “put the brakes on” unit growth, with plans to ultimately close 15 to 22 stores by the end of this year. 

Given this, Potbelly just unveiled a new ordering process prototype in an attempt to boost its sales and efficiency. According to Restaurant Business, Potbelly debuted the prototype in one of its Chicago locations, which involves a store redesign and revamped ordering process. Traditionally, customers would place their order, follow it down the line as its being prepared and then once their sandwich is finished and in their hand, they would pay for it at the cash register. Now, with the new ordering system, customers will order and pay at the same time, then follow it down the line. 

In addition to the new ordering process, the brand has introduced a revamped menu board which presents all of Potbelly’s offerings on one screen above the cash registers, said Restaurant Business. Potbelly also redesigned the location, adding a new dividing wall between where customers order and where they sit to eat, according to Restaurant Business. 

Potbelly CEO Alan Johnson told Restaurant Business that it’s too early to say whether this new ordering prototype and design and will actually boost sales and efficiency, but the company “is excited about what it’s seeing so far.” 

And, as we all know by now, consumers love anything and everything that streamlines the process and gets them their food as quickly as possible. Not sure about you guys, but this writer is really pushing for Potbelly, because, oh man does she love its chicken salad sandwiches. 

Read the full Restaurant Business article here.