Potbelly Signs 10-Shop Franchise Development Agreement for Central Florida with BD Patel and Nephews Bhavesh and Mihir

August 17, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // ORLANDO, Fla. — Potbelly has signed a 10-shop franchise development agreement with veteran franchise operator BD Patel and his nephews, Bhavesh and Mihir Patel.

The Patel family will develop shops across Central Florida, initially focusing on high-visibility trade areas throughout Northeast Orlando and surrounding communities with additional development planned for Gainesville. Their long-term strategy includes expanding into residential neighborhoods, business districts and university communities while bringing Potbelly’s craveable menu and neighborhood experience to more guests across the region.

With more than 30 years of franchise experience, BD has built a career developing and growing nationally recognized restaurant brands, including Dunkin’, Quiznos and Mooyah Burgers. His background spans franchise development leadership, multi-unit ownership experience and franchise advisory councils, giving him extensive experience building successful restaurant systems.

Bhavesh and Mihir represent the next generation of the family’s entrepreneurial legacy. Bhavesh brings years of operational leadership from helping scale his family’s convenience store business, while Mihir transitioned from a successful career in information technology into hospitality through ownership of a franchised hotel. Together, the family brings a unique combination of franchise expertise, operational leadership and entrepreneurial experience that positions them for long-term growth across Central Florida.

“We were looking for a brand with long-term growth potential, but it also had to be one we genuinely believed in,” said BD Patel. “Our family has enjoyed Potbelly for years, and as we evaluated the business, we recognized the strength of the brand, its proven operating model and the opportunity to grow alongside thriving communities. Central Florida continues to attract new residents, businesses and visitors, making it an ideal fit for the neighborhood-focused experience and craveable menu Potbelly is known for.”

For Bhavesh, the opportunity is also personal. He and his wife became regular Potbelly guests while attending the University of Cincinnati, giving the family a longstanding connection to the brand well before pursuing franchise ownership. As one of Florida’s fastest-growing areas continues to attract new residents, employers and investment, the Patel family’s decades of operating experience position them to thoughtfully introduce Potbelly to communities across their development territory.

“BD, Bhavesh and Mihir bring exactly the kind of experience, operational discipline and long-term vision we look for in franchise partners,” said Jennifer Durham, Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development at Potbelly. “Their combined backgrounds span decades of franchise leadership, hospitality and business ownership, creating an exceptional foundation for sustainable growth. Just as importantly, they’re approaching development with a community-first mindset that reflects the Potbelly brand, and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they introduce Potbelly to more neighborhoods throughout Central Florida.”

Potbelly continues to expand its presence across Florida, with more than 10 shops currently open and more than 54 additional locations under development agreements statewide. Future growth includes Tampa, Sarasota-Bradenton, Fort Myers-Naples, Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Panama City Beach.

For nearly 50 years, Potbelly has served neighborhoods with its signature toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes and baked cookies, all delivered with warm hospitality and neighborhood charm that define the brand. With more than 470 shops nationwide, Potbelly continues to grow through strategic franchise development in markets across the country.

SOURCE Potbelly Sandwich Works