Chicago Sandwich Chain To Try Drive-Throughs

Chicago Sun-Times:

Potbelly Sandwich Works, the fast-growing Chicago-based sandwich shop chain with a reputation for deftly managing long lines of foot traffic through its stores, is trying its hand at serving motorists.

It will test drive-through stores in Glen Ellyn and Waukegan, primarily to appease moms, said Bryant Keil, chairman and CEO of the 160-store operation.

‘It’s for people living in the suburbs. Sometimes it’s hard getting out of your car with all your kids in the car,’ he said.

Plans for the drive-throughs are not firm, but Keil said he envisions ‘almost a greenhouse, and having someone take your order directly and bring the order to you. Maybe a little music going on in the background.

‘We’re going to handle them very well,’ Keil said. ‘We’re taking a very thoughtful, strategic approach. People know that when they get into a line, they’re going to move fast.’

The company is seeking zoning approval for the two stores, to be opened over the next few months.

The move to service drivers is a good one, said Darren Tristano, an admirer of the chain’s ability to shift folks through the ordering process that, at times, has staffers taking orders at a great distance from the customers, while local musicians perform.