What Potbelly is and what it costs

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual chain that makes hot and cold sandwiches to order. You order at a counter, watch them build your sandwich, and eat in or take it with you. A typical sandwich runs between $7 and $12 depending on the protein and location, with sides like chips or cookies adding $2 to $4 more. A combo meal (sandwich, drink, and a side) usually costs $12 to $16 before tax.

Potbelly operates in about 40 states, concentrated in the Midwest and along the coasts. Not every city has one, so check their location finder on potbelly.com to see if there's a shop near you. Prices vary slightly by region and individual store, so the exact cost of your order depends on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Potbelly sandwiches range from $7 to $12 for the sandwich alone, with combo meals running $12 to $16 total.
  • You can customize any sandwich by choosing your bread, protein, and toppings, which may affect the final price.
  • Potbelly's loyalty program (Potbelly Perks) gives you points on every purchase that you can redeem for free items.
  • Vegetarian and vegan options are available on most menus, though prices are similar to meat sandwiches.
  • Potbelly locations are not in every state, so you may not have one nearby depending on where you live.

How to order and customize your sandwich

When you walk in, you join a line and move along a counter where staff build your sandwich in front of you. You tell them your bread choice (usually Italian, wheat, or a specialty bread), then your protein (turkey, roast beef, chicken, bacon, or vegetarian options), then your toppings. You can load it with as many vegetables and condiments as you want at no extra charge — lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers, pickles, and various spreads are all included.

The main cost difference comes from your protein choice. A turkey sandwich costs less than roast beef or specialty meats. If you want to keep your bill down, stick with turkey or the vegetarian options. Hot sandwiches (which they toast) and cold sandwiches are priced the same, so choose based on what you want to eat, not what saves money.

Potbelly Perks loyalty program

Potbelly Perks is a free rewards program you can join in the app or at the register. Every time you buy something, you earn points. The exact points-to-reward conversion varies, but generally you earn enough points for a free sandwich or free drink after spending $50 to $75 total. You can also get bonus points during promotional periods, which Potbelly announces through the app.

The app also shows you current deals and lets you order ahead so you don't wait in line. If you eat at Potbelly more than once a month, joining Perks takes a few minutes and saves you real money over time. You don't have to use the app — you can give your phone number at the register instead — but the app makes tracking your points easier.

Vegetarian and vegan sandwich options

Potbelly offers several sandwiches without meat. The Veggie sandwich comes with hummus, roasted red peppers, cucumber, sprouts, and other vegetables on your choice of bread. The Mediterranean has feta cheese, olives, and vegetables. Both are priced the same as meat sandwiches, usually $8 to $11 depending on your location.

If you follow a vegan diet, you can order any sandwich and ask them to skip the cheese and mayo, then load it with vegetables instead. The staff can do this, though it's not a standard menu item. Call ahead if you want to confirm that your local Potbelly can accommodate your needs, since practices vary by location.

Sides, drinks, and extras

Potbelly sells chips, cookies, brownies, and other snacks as sides. Chips typically cost $2 to $3, and baked goods run $2 to $4. Drinks come in small, medium, and large sizes, ranging from about $2 for a small to $3.50 for a large. You can get bottled water, fountain drinks, coffee, or tea.

A combo meal bundles a sandwich, drink, and side together and usually saves you $1 to $2 compared to buying each item separately. If you're hungry and want a full meal, a combo is the better value. If you just want a sandwich, buying it alone costs less than the combo price.

How Potbelly compares to other sandwich chains

Potbelly's prices are similar to Subway and Jimmy John's but higher than chains like Firehouse Subs in some markets. The main difference is that Potbelly toasts most of its sandwiches and uses a different bread style, which some people prefer. Subway lets you customize more freely but doesn't toast unless you ask. Jimmy John's is faster but offers fewer customization options.

If you're choosing based purely on cost, check what's near you — prices vary by location and chain, and a Subway in one city might cost more or less than a Potbelly in another. If you have a Potbelly nearby and like their sandwiches, the Perks program makes it a reasonable choice for regular meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Potbelly online or through a delivery app?

Yes. Potbelly's app lets you order ahead for pickup at your nearest location. Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub also carry Potbelly in many cities, though delivery adds a fee and usually increases your total cost by $3 to $6.

Do Potbelly sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato automatically?

No. You tell the staff what toppings you want as they build your sandwich. If you don't ask for lettuce and tomato, they won't add them. This is different from some chains where certain toppings come standard.

What's the difference between a hot and cold sandwich at Potbelly?

Hot sandwiches are toasted after assembly. Cold sandwiches are not. Both cost the same. The choice is about what you want to eat — hot sandwiches work better for roast beef or meatball, while cold sandwiches are better for turkey or tuna. Potbelly's menu tells you which sandwiches are typically served hot and which cold.

Can I get a half sandwich instead of a full one?

Most Potbelly locations offer half sandwiches at a reduced price, usually about 60% of the full sandwich price. Ask at the counter or check the menu board. This is a good option if you want to eat less or try two different sandwiches.

Does Potbelly have a student discount?

Potbelly does not offer a standard student discount chain-wide. Some individual locations may run local promotions, so ask your nearest store. The Perks loyalty program is the main way to save money regularly at Potbelly.