Meat+Poultry - August 2022 - 28

FOODSERVICE TRENDS
Potbelly Sandwich
Shop made the menu
more approachable by
offering items in different
sizes and price points
while maintaining high
standards for quality.
Bryan Keil who grew the business from one
location to 250 shops over a 12-year period.
Today, Potbelly boasts more than 500 locations.
Like many foodservice operators, Potbelly
is rebounding from pandemic-induced closures
and slumping sales, and leadership credits a
revitalized menu launched in August 2021 for the
chain's turnaround. Bob Wright, chief executive
officer of Potbelly, said the company's ultimate
objective is to improve traffic and enhance the
customer experience with Potbelly's foods while
driving customers' perception of value.
" All of these objectives were validated in
the testing phases in addition to increases in
sales by both check and transaction growth, "
Wright told analysts during an earnings call to
discuss Q2 2021 financial results.
Wright explained that the menu
simplification included consolidating the
menu boards and offering a wider price ladder
as well as other product enhancements like
making each sandwich on the menu available
in a 'skinny' variety in addition to half-size
salads not included in Potbelly's 'Pick Your
Pair' offering.
" We also have more large-size options with
more meat, cheese and toppings, " Wright said.
" And we're very excited about some of the new
variety on the menu, including our new AvoTurkey
Sandwich and our new Steakhouse beef
sandwich, among others. "
PROTEIN VARIETY
In a blog about trends in sandwiches, US
Foods, a leading broadline distributor,
28 MEAT+POULTRY | 08.22 | www.meatpoultry.com
noted that " ...flavorful chicken sandwiches
are popping up everywhere. " This trend
reflects signs that consumers are buying
more poultry and ground beef and fewer cuts
of beef. Foodservice operators in the deli
segment are following suit while keeping
other protein options on the menu for
limited-time offerings.
As part of its menu refresh, Subway
debuted its chef-recommended sandwiches
that offer consumers familiar flavors such as
the Turkey Cali Fresh, Steak Cali Fresh and
All-American Club.
Additional ingredients that pack on the
flavor and increase value include deli-thin
sliced ham and turkey, hickory smoked bacon,
avocado and premium cheeses.
Potbelly turned to the Mediterranean for
flavor inspiration. The chain launched its Gyro
Flat Sandwich in July as a limited time offering.
The sandwich features lamb and beef gyro
meat, topped with tzatziki sauce, crumbled
feta, and fresh onion and tomato on flatbread
and toasted.
" Potbelly is committed to delivering the
highest quality, craveable sandwiches that
satisfy any consumer palette. We are excited
to keep the good vibes going this summer
with the return of this fan favorite, " said David
Daniels, chief marketing officer at Potbelly
Sandwich Shop.
" This delicious sandwich is a slight twist on
the classic Gyro and yet another great addition
to our stellar lineup of hot, oven-toasted
sandwiches. "
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
http://www.meatpoultry.com
Meat+Poultry - August 2022

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