Through its various subsidiaries, Potbelly Corporation is responsible for the ownership, operation, and franchising of its network of sandwich shops. By December 26, 2021, the company's presence included 443 establishments located across 33 U.S. states and Washington D.C. This total was comprised of 397 company-managed shops and 46 run by independent franchisees. The organization, which began as Potbelly Sandwich Works, Inc., officially rebranded to Potbelly Corporation in 2002. Founded in 1977, Potbelly Corporation maintains its principal office in Chicago, Illinois.