Potbelly Relishes Battle With Sub Shops on SOM Center Rd.

Travel down SOM Center Rd.’s bevy of restaurants, and you’ll notice a trend: Sub and sandwich shops abound with, and all within a few hundred yards of each other.

With so many similar stores concentrated in one place, putting another one there would seem to be a difficult proposition, but the new Potbelly Sandwich Shop isn’t daunted by the competition.

In fact, they welcome it.

Opening on July 5, at 1278 SOM Center Rd. in Mayfield Heights, General Manager Laura Nord thinks the national franchise that began in 1977 and now has more than 240 stores nationally will have no problem standing out against the other similar restaurants surrounding it.

“Our customers are extremely loyal. They average visiting our shop four times a month which is incredible. It’s because of the great product and the great service,” Nord said. “We also strive to serve a quick sandwich, but at the same time, offer great customer service.”

Upon entering the store, one notices its décor which features plenty of vintage replica items that dot its walls and booths. Right as you come in the front door, you’ll face a 19th century reproduction of a potbelly stove, the item upon which the store derives its name.

But any restaurant ultimately survives based on its menu.

The store features toasted sandwiches with two main sizes called Originals, which are about 6 inches long and date back to the chain’s beginnings, and Bigs, which are 30 percent larger than the Originals and are about 9 inches long. The menu also features Skinnys which are 25 percent less fat than the Originals.

The sandwiches are served on regular or multigrain breads and the meat includes staples like chicken, turkey, smoked ham, roast beef, meatballs and tuna salad, accompanied with an array of toppings all of your choosing.

The shop also features soups, salads, malts, smoothies, shakes and cookies. But if the store’s look and food aren’t enough to attract you, throughout the week, Potbelly will have live music that ranges from folk to jazz. Still, food will be the main attraction.

“It has simple, irresistible food that’s reasonably priced. The atmosphere is extremely fun, friendly and warm. We have quirky decorations around the shop that describe our history as a company,” Nord said. “The quality of our food is excellent.”

You can reach the store by calling 440-229-5026 or fax to place an order at 440-229-5020. The store’s hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.