High-Growth Neighborhood Sandwich Shop Concept to be Acquired by Leading Convenience Retailer for $17.12 per shareCHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Potbelly Corporation (NASDAQ: PBPB) (“Potbelly” or the “Company”), the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop concept, announced today that Potbelly and RaceTrac, Inc. (“RaceTrac”), one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and a leading convenience retailer, have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which RaceTrac w ...

Core Insights - Potbelly Corporation reported a strong second quarter with system-wide sales growth of 6.7%, including a 3.2% increase in company-operated same-store sales and positive traffic growth [1][4] - The company opened eight new shops and secured 54 additional franchise commitments during the second quarter [6][8] - Potbelly raised its full-year guidance and introduced guidance for Q3 2025, projecting same-store sales growth of 3.25% to 4.25% [5] Financial Performance - Total revenues for the second quarter increased by 3.4% to $123.7 million compared to $119.7 million in the prior year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 13.0% to $9.6 million, up from $8.5 million [7][32] - GAAP net income was reported at $2.5 million, a decrease from $34.7 million in the previous year, primarily due to a prior year tax benefit [7][30] Operational Highlights - Average Weekly Sales (AWS) increased by 3.6% to $27,040 compared to $26,110 [7] - The total number of open and committed shops reached 816 as of June 29, 2025 [8] - The company repurchased approximately 113,000 shares of common stock for about $1.0 million during the second quarter [9] Future Outlook - For Q3 2025, Potbelly expects adjusted EBITDA between $9.0 million and $10.0 million, with full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance set at $34 million to $35 million [5] - The company aims to open at least 38 new shops in 2025 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Potbelly Corporation is set to release its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 6, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call for investors to discuss the results [2][3]. Financial Results Announcement - Potbelly will report its financial results for the fiscal second quarter 2025 on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after market close [2]. - A conference call is scheduled for the same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, hosted by President and CEO Bob Wright and CFO Steve Cirulis [2][3]. Conference Call Details - Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 [3] - Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time [3] - Dial-In Numbers: 844-676-5533 (U.S. & Canada), 412-634-6942 (International) [3] - The call will be webcast live on the company's corporate website, with an audio replay available until August 13, 2025 [3]. Company Overview - Potbelly Corporation has been serving customers with warm, toasty sandwiches and other fresh menu items for over 40 years, emphasizing Fresh, Fast & Friendly service [4]. - The company has expanded to over 440 shops across the United States, including more than 90 franchised locations [4].

Company Overview - Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been serving customers for over 40 years, offering warm sandwiches, signature salads, hand-dipped shakes, and other fresh menu items [2] - The company operates more than 440 shops across the United States, including over 90 franchised locations [2] Upcoming Investor Conferences - The company will participate in the Craig-Hallum 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference in Minneapolis, MN on May 28, 2025, holding one-on-one meetings with investors [3] - On June 4, 2025, Potbelly will present at the William Blair 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference in Chicago, IL, with the presentation scheduled to begin at 4:40 PM Central Time, which will be webcast live [3]

Core Insights - Potbelly Corporation reported a system-wide sales growth of 4.8% in the first quarter of 2025, with positive same-store sales growth [1][2] - The company opened four new shops and secured 40 additional franchise commitments during the same period [1][6] - Potbelly reiterated its full-year guidance and introduced a second-quarter guidance of 1.5% to 2.5% same-store sales growth [1][4] Financial Performance - Total revenues increased by 2.3% to $113.7 million compared to $111.2 million in the previous year [5][20] - Average Weekly Sales (AWS) rose by 1.2% to $24,550 from $24,250 [5] - Company-operated same-store sales increased by 0.9% [5][29] Profitability Metrics - GAAP net loss attributable to Potbelly Corporation was $62 thousand, a significant improvement from a net loss of $2.8 million in the prior year [5][20] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2.8% to $5.5 million compared to $5.7 million, impacted by a prior year settlement payment [5][26] - Adjusted net income attributable to Potbelly Corporation was $43 thousand, down from $0.2 million [5][26] Development and Growth Strategy - The company opened four Potbelly shops, including three franchise locations, and signed 40 new franchise commitments, bringing the total to 766 shops as of March 30, 2025 [6][11] - Potbelly aims to open at least 38 new units in 2025 [4][6] Shareholder Returns - During the first quarter, Potbelly repurchased approximately 117 thousand shares for about $1.1 million, with $17.5 million remaining under its share repurchase program [7][8]