RaceTrac Seals $566 Million Deal for Potbelly
RaceTrac, the family-owned convenience retail giant, has finalized its $566 million acquisition of Potbelly Corporation, bringing the iconic Chicago-born sandwich chain and its 445+ company and franchise locations into its growing portfolio.
The merger, first announced in September, makes Potbelly a wholly owned RaceTrac subsidiary. Potbelly’s Nasdaq-listed stock (PBPB) was delisted following a tender offer that acquired 90.7% of shares at $17.12 each, totaling approximately $530 million in equity value. RaceTrac Seals Potbelly’s menu of warm sandwiches, fresh salads, and hand-dipped shakes remains unchanged, so fans can continue enjoying favorites like the A Wreck and Southwest Avo Chicken Wrap nationwide.
Potbelly has spent over 40 years perfecting the neighborhood sandwich shop experience, and we’re thrilled to welcome this brand into the RaceTrac family, said RaceTrac CEO and Chairman Natalie Morhous. RaceTrac Seals This acquisition strengthens our growth strategy by blending fast-casual appeal with our expertise in real estate, operations, food innovation, and marketing while keeping Potbelly’s unique charm intact.
Backed by RaceTrac’s resources, Potbelly is targeting expansion to 2,000 locations through its franchise model, beginning with 8–15 franchise deals in the Atlanta area in early 2026. RaceTrac Seals The acquisition adds over 5,200 Potbelly team members and franchise partners, bringing RaceTrac’s total workforce to more than 15,000 across its 800+ RaceTrac and RaceWay convenience stores and 1,200 Gulf-branded sites.
In leadership updates, Adam Noyes, Potbelly’s Chief Operating Officer since 2020, is now President and will oversee daily operations. CEO Bob Wright, who led the company to triple its share price since 2020, will remain through year-end to ensure a smooth transition.
Joining RaceTrac marks an exciting new chapter for Potbelly, Wright said. RaceTrac Seals Their expertise will accelerate our path to 2,000+ locations while continuing to deliver the great food and experience our guests love.
The tender offer, managed by Equiniti Trust Company, concluded on October 22 with all conditions met. RaceTrac Seals Potbelly was merged under Delaware law into Hero Sub Inc., a RaceTrac subsidiary, and untendered shares were converted to cash.
Advisors on the deal included BofA Securities and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP for RaceTrac, and Piper Sandler and Kirkland & Ellis LLP for Potbelly.
For customers, operations continue as usual Perks rewards, gift cards, and the full menu, including fresh wraps and kids’ combos, remain available.
About RaceTrac: Founded in Atlanta in 1934, RaceTrac leads the convenience and fuel industry with a focus on family values and innovation.
About Potbelly: From a Chicago antique shop in 1977 to 445+ locations today, Potbelly is known for its warm, toasty sandwiches and fresh, fast-casual fare.
Media contacts: James Taylor, Full Tilt Consulting; Potbelly IR: Jeff Priester and Marisa Breese, ICR.