Potbelly (NASDAQ: PBPB), the neighborhood sandwich shop, announced a new Columbus location opening in University District near The Ohio State University campus. Set to open Tuesday, January 14, the shop is situated along High Street’s trafficked University District walkway (2108 N. High Street). It will be a convenient hangout spot set amid the most densely populated neighborhood in the city, which serves the 65,000-plus university students.
“Our Potbelly Sandwich Shops in Columbus have become cherished parts of the neighborhoods we serve, and we couldn’t be more excited to expand with a fifth location,” said Robert Negron in a statement, Chief Operating Officer for Royal Restaurant Group, the multi-unit Potbelly owner and operator opening the University District shop. “Being right on the doorstep of The Ohio State University, we’re excited to bring our signature toasty sandwiches, fresh salads, shop-baked cookies, and hand-dipped shakes to the vibrant Buckeye community. Columbus is a city full of energy, pride, and tradition, and we look forward to creating meaningful moments for students, faculty, guests and of course the Buckeye sports team faithful. It’s a city we love being a part of and giving back to, because it has embraced us so warmly.”
To celebrate the opening, the shop will offer fans a free Original Sandwich with the purchase of a Big or Original Sandwich when ordered on Potbelly.com or through the Potbelly app with promo code “BOGO”.
Each of the first 100 guests will receive a free cookie and 15% of all sales during the grand opening weekend (January 18-19) will be donated to The Ohio State University Student Life Food Pantry, which serves the 15% of students facing food insecurity.
The new shop will also incorporate community touches, featuring an art exhibit with the history of Brutus Buckeye, the mascot of Ohio State University, connecting the restaurant’s essence with The Ohio State University culture.
Negron and Royal Restaurant Group currently operate four other Potbelly locations in the Columbus market, including Dublin, Polaris and within the city. The company also operates dozens of Burger King restaurants across the country and plans to bring 16 more Potbelly sandwich shops to the greater Columbus region in the coming years.
Potbelly at University District joins 17 locations across Ohio and continues the brand’s presence in major collegiate towns, including several other Big 10 areas.
Regular operating hours are from 9 AM to 11 PM Sunday through Wednesday and 9 AM to 12 midnight Thursday through Saturday. Delivery, order ahead and catering are available through Potbelly.com or the Potbelly App. Plus, the shop has aligned with third-party delivery services and will be accepting BuckID Cash for university students.
