[EXCLUSIVE] Significant Sandwich Shop Scores Sandy Springs Space

A new location of Potbelly Sandwich Works is coming to Sandy Springs.  Planning materials reviewed by ToNeTo Atlanta indicate that Potbelly, the popular Chicago-based sandwich shop that is slated to open its first Atlanta area location in September, will open in place of Buffalo Wild Wings GO at The Plaza at City Springs (5840 Roswell Road) in Sandy Springs.  

The 1,600 square foot Potbelly space is situated between Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Salon Lofts in a center also home to Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, Cava Digital Kitchen, Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, and Starbucks, among others.  The space was originally an outpost of Eat Fit Go, an Atlanta-based prepared meal business that closed amidst a 2018 bankruptcy filing.  

Sandy Springs-based Inspire Brands launched their Buffalo Wild Wings GO format in the center in May 2020 but closed it about six years later this past May.  

Now Potbelly, which is slated to open its first ever Atlanta area location Tuesday September 1 at Peachtree Station, a Whole Foods-anchored center along Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee, is looking to fill the space and bring new life to the center.  

Established in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly today boasts more than 450 locations across 30 states plus D.C.  The Chamblee and Sandy Springs locations are part of the chain's initial metro Atlanta market entry, which is expected to bring fifteen locations to the state over the next seven years.  The chain was purchased this past September by Atlanta-based RaceTrac.    

In addition to Chamblee and Sandy Springs, ToNeTo Atlanta exclusively reported in May that another Potbelly is coming to Forsyth Town Center, a new Whole Foods-anchored shopping center coming to Cumming near the Collection at Forsyth.  According to the planning materials, Potbelly will be located at 3145 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Suite 975A, an 1,850 square foot endcap space within the project.  

Potbelly is also expected to open alongside a giant new RaceTrac that is coming to the recently closed Barnes & Noble along Cobb Parkway near Cumberland Mall. 

ToNeTo Atlanta is tracking two other potential locations, one inside and one outside the perimeter.  

Potbelly announced in November 2024 that it had signed a 15 unit development agreement in the Atlanta area with Royal Restaurant Group.  That said, the Florida-based franchisee sold its seven existing Potbelly restaurants this past March and seems to have exited the Potbelly business. Royal reportedly sought to exit the brand and cancel their commitment shortly after the RaceTrac acquisition was made public.  

The upcoming Atlanta locations are being opened by Potbelly corporate with the reported plan to re-franchise them in the future.  

Are you excited for the opening of Potbelly in metro Atlanta?  Where else would you like to see Potbelly open in metro Atlanta?   Do you think Potbelly is worth the hype?  

Please share your thoughts below.