PBNJ Plans To Open 15 Potbelly Locations in New Jersey

PBNJ, a multi-generational restaurant ownership group led by Greg Dunn and Kelly Hart, is entering the Potbelly Sandwich Works system through a 15-shop multi-unit development agreement that marks the brand's debut in New Jersey.

The experienced franchise group brings more than 30 years of operational, leadership, and franchising experience, most notably within the Wendy's system. Dunn, PBNJ's chief financial officer, has spent 34 years with Wendy's, including leadership roles tied to the brand's national advertising and supply chain cooperatives. Hart, the group's chief executive officer, grew up in the franchise business and has held nearly every operational role within the Wendy's system and has served on franchisee and advertising boards.

"With a quality product and rave reviews from existing franchise operators, we knew Potbelly was the right fit for our team as we looked to expand our franchising business," Dunn said. "We're thrilled to be Potbelly's first New Jersey franchisee group and introduce the sandwiches Potbelly fans know and love to a new market."

Over the next eight years, PBNJ plans to develop Potbelly locations across Northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Sussex counties, establishing the group as the brand's first franchisee in the Garden State.

"With Greg and Kelly's impressive operational and multi-unit restaurant franchise background, they were a wonderful fit for Potbelly's Large Area Developer 50/50 Incentive Program," said Jennifer Durham, senior vice president of franchising & development at Potbelly. "We're excited to have the pioneering PBNJ LLC team joining the Potbelly franchise family and bring their deep food experience, knowledge of the northern New Jersey trade areas, and disciplined approach to accelerate Potbelly's growth in the Garden State."