In a significant move within the competitive landscape of food and retail services, RaceTrac, a prominent family-owned convenience store chain, has announced its acquisition of Potbelly Corporation, renowned for its classic sandwich offerings. The merger aims to enhance the customer experience by expanding product offerings while retaining the unique neighborhood charm that Potbelly embodies.
Natalie Morhous, CEO and chairman of RaceTrac, expressed enthusiasm about the marriage of two legacy brands. “Our companies, combined, have spent over 130 years delighting guests by providing them with welcoming smiles and a place to enjoy life’s everyday moments,” she remarked. She noted the importance of Potbelly’s established presence, welcoming its 5,200 team members and franchise partners into the RaceTrac family with the goal of elevating service and enhancing community engagement.
Founded in Chicago over 40 years ago, Potbelly has grown to encompass more than 445 locations across the United States. The sandwich shop chain plans to significantly expand its footprint, aiming for 2,000 shops in the long term. Its menu, celebrated for toasty sandwiches, signature salads, and hand-dipped shakes, has garnered a loyal customer base eager for a blend of quality and comfort.
Bob Wright, president and CEO of Potbelly, highlighted the strategic alignment between the two companies. He stated, “RaceTrac’s strategic vision including their commitment to quality aligns perfectly with our mission to delight customers with great food and good vibes.” Wright emphasized that the merger positions Potbelly for accelerated franchise-led growth, promising immediate value for shareholders while maintaining the core attributes that have made Potbelly a beloved brand.
RaceTrac, headquartered in Atlanta and recognized as one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, operates over 800 retail locations under the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands. Since its inception in 1934, the company has prioritized customer satisfaction and community engagement, supporting over 10,000 employees across multiple affiliated businesses, including Metroplex Energy, Energy Dispatch, and Gulf Oil.
In addition to expanding its market share through this strategic acquisition, RaceTrac has been acknowledged for its commitment to innovation and excellence, recently earning the Silver Medal in the Large Chain Award category of the 2025 Technology Leader of the Year awards program presented by Convenience Store News. This accolade underscores RaceTrac’s ongoing dedication to enhancing retail concepts and customer experiences, setting a benchmark in the convenience store industry.
As RaceTrac integrates Potbelly into its operations, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the merger influences both corporate growth and the culinary landscape within the convenience sector.
