Potbelly Founder Plans Major Expansion, Dozens of Mid Atlantic Restaurants

Bryant Keil and his son opened a new Potbelly location in Frederick on December 3, 2025, and signaled an ambitious regional growth push. Keil, who founded and formerly ran Potbelly Sandwich Works, said the franchise will pursue dozens more restaurants across the Mid Atlantic, with a commitment to opening at least 15 restaurants in Maryland within the next eight years. Several leases in the Baltimore area are in the final stages of negotiation, indicating concrete near term activity.

The immediate economic implications for Baltimore neighborhoods include new hiring, increased foot traffic, and added competition for existing sandwich shops and quick service restaurants. A typical quick service restaurant can employ a mix of full time and part time staff across front of house and back of house roles. Even conservative estimates suggest that each new location could add a dozen or more jobs locally, which would be meaningful for parts of the city where retail and hospitality are a primary source of employment.

Commercial real estate markets in targeted corridors could see higher demand as leases are signed. Retail landlords often prioritize tenants with stabilizing proven brands, which can reduce vacancy rates on key streets and spur adjacent investment. At the same time, smaller independent retailers may face pressure on margins and rents if larger franchise operators fill available retail space.

Keil described encouraging early customer response at recently opened locations and framed the growth strategy as deliberate, aimed at neighborhoods where the brand can succeed. The approach emphasizes non cookie cutter stores and a community focused orientation rather than uniform layout and branding. For Baltimore residents this suggests a preference for locations that integrate with local commercial fabric, rather than standard mall footprints alone.

Longer term, the expansion reflects broader trends in regional restaurant chains concentrating growth in mid sized cities and suburban nodes outside major metropolitan cores. For local policymakers and community leaders the arrival of multiple new franchise locations will raise questions about workforce development, zoning and commercial rent stabilization. For consumers, more Potbelly outlets will expand dining choices and convenience, while shaping the competitive landscape for fast casual food in Baltimore neighborhoods.