Potbelly Sandwich Works

http://www.potbelly.com/ 
As Creative Director at Potbelly Sandwich Works (as it was called then), I was entrusted with the awesome job of organizing the interiors of the stores starting at #2 in 1997 to just over the #200 mark in 2008.  I chose the wall colors, the finishes, the vintage wallpaper and which went where.  I chose what tables we used.  Many we made ourselves for specific locations and situations.  I created or purchased the artwork, purchased the artifacts, the inc-nacs,  location specific lighting and even the vintage wallpaper for each of the locations. 

 CBS Inside Chicago - 

October 23, 2003

..."the decor is all real. They actually have guys who go to antique shops hunting for that kind of stuff. When I first walked in, I was charmed by the old-timey warehouse decor that greeted me."  

Chicago Sun-Times, June 16, 2008
  

"It's kind of impossible not to feel a little dapper when you're in there, you know. Just walking through the door made me want to grow a large handlebar mustache and don my top-hat-slash-monacle ensemble. It has all the decorative stylings of a 1930s oil tycoon's watering hole, which I am generally in favor of."

"I walked into the Potbelly Dupont planning on taking my food to go, however the inside of the restaurant was so cute I decided to stay. It looks like the bar on Cheers, only redesigned as a sandwich place. It's a perfect place to eat alone and not feel like a loser weirdo."

 "Diners may enjoy their meals in a homey atmosphere which pays homage to the chain's antique store roots. Originally a mom and pop junk shop, the company struck gold when it began solely selling food and going franchise with a chain that spans throughout Illinois to the east coast. Yet despite commercial expansion, the initial vintage charm remains. And with this attention to both menu and decor details, Potbelly Sandwich Works stands out from its more sterile fast-food competitors, proving its all that and a bag of chips."

  
"Standing in line at Potbelly, waiting to place an order, you may find yourself toe-tapping to ... hip décor that would make it a draw on any college campus."  

..."a first class dive." Potbelly started in 1977 as a small antique store and over the years, has built a passionate, loyal following of fans who spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food Potbelly Sandwich Works is known for."

"Austin's great musicians will bring exciting local flavor to each of Austin's Potbelly stores where every piece of furniture and every picture on the wall has been hand-selected for that Austin store. The local music and unique décor serve as the perfect backdrop for customers to enjoy the hot, toasted and tasty Potbelly sandwiches and other great stuff."

"Every piece of furniture and every picture on the wall has been hand-selected for those Philadelphia stores and local musicians will enhance the entire Potbelly experience. The live music and unique decor serve as the perfect backdrop for customers to feast on hot and tasty Potbelly sandwiches and other great stuff."