November 03, 2026 // Franchising.com // WALDORF, Md. – Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, is continuing its growth across Southern Maryland with a new location opening Friday, Nov. 6, at Waldorf Station. Joining 25 Potbelly shops across the state, the opening introduces the brand’s neighborhood shop experience to Charles County and gives Waldorf residents, professionals and visitors a new destination for its signature oven-toasted sandwiches and craveable menu favorites.
Situated within Waldorf Station, a new 150-acre mixed-use center taking shape at the gateway to Charles County, the Potbelly shop joins a growing collection of restaurants, retail and residential development at the prominent intersection of U.S. 301 and Maryland Route 5. It will serve the surrounding Waldorf community while offering a convenient stop for those traveling throughout the region.
Former Potbelly CEO and longtime brand leader Bryant Keil of The Keil Group is the owner and operator of the new Waldorf shop alongside his son Hampden Keil. Bryant purchased the original Potbelly shop in Chicago in 1996 and helped transform the neighborhood sandwich concept into a national brand, growing it to 250 locations by 2008. Decades later, he returned to Potbelly as a franchisee with Hampden, acquiring 12 existing Maryland shops and committing to develop 15 new shops across the state. The Waldorf opening continues that growth while bringing the Keil family’s longstanding connection to the brand into Charles County.
“Three decades after I purchased the original Potbelly shop, one of the most rewarding parts of returning to the brand as a franchisee has been the opportunity to grow it with my son,” said Keil. “Hampden grew up with Potbelly, and now we’re building our family business and bringing the brand to new communities together. We look forward to getting to know our neighbors in Waldorf and creating the kind of shop guests will want to make part of their everyday routines.”
To celebrate the opening, Potbelly will host a grand opening celebration on December 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Free Potbelly for a Year for the first 25 guests in line, in addition to a ribbon-cutting, samples, and games for attendees.
Guests can enjoy the brand’s signature lineup of oven-toasted sandwiches and wraps, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes and freshly baked cookies, with convenient options for lunch, dinner and everything in between. The Waldorf Station shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Guests can dine in or order ahead for pickup through Potbelly.com or the Potbelly App. Catering and third-party delivery are also available.
For exclusive offers and rewards, Potbelly invites guests to join the Potbelly Perks program, where they can unlock free sandwiches, cookies and special offers throughout the year. To sign up, visit www.potbelly.com/perks.
For more information about the new Potbelly location, visit www.potbelly.com
Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers’ smiles with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes and other fresh menu items, customized just the way customers want them, for nearly 50 years. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Plus, the Potbelly App and Potbelly Perks loyalty program have become popular ways for guests to order ahead, earn rewards, access exclusive offers and enjoy personalized experiences. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country, with more than 465 U.S. shops, including more than 105 franchised shops. For more information, please visit the Potbelly website at www.Potbelly.com.
SOURCE Potbelly Corporation
Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept offering toasty warm sandwiches, signature salads and other fresh menu items served by engaging people in an environment that reflects the Potbelly brand.