Restaurant Team Member

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu offerings, including toasted sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. Founded with the goal of delivering a memorable dining experience, Potbelly has grown into a reputable brand emphasizing high-quality food, excellent customer service, and a friendly environment. The company is committed to upholding its core values such as integrity, teamwork, accountability, and positive energy. Working at Potbelly means being part of a vibrant team that strives to create a loyal community of customers who appreciate both the food and the overall experience.

The role of an Associate at Potbelly is integral to maintaining the high standards that the company is known for. This position is part-time and nonexempt, and associates are typically assigned to specific shops where they report to the General Manager or Assistant Manager. The Associate serves as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring their experience is fast, friendly, and efficient every time they visit. Associates prepare a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, and ice cream, adhering strictly to Potbelly’s recipe manual and health standards. They play a crucial role in upholding cleanliness and safety within the shop, from maintaining sanitation to managing waste properly.

Associates embody Potbelly's behaviors and values by demonstrating integrity, food love, teamwork, accountability, and a positive attitude. They help to build a positive team environment and turn customers into fans through friendly engagement and quality service. This role also requires associates to be adaptable, as they will be trained to work multiple stations within the shop, such as prepping, cash handling, and customer service. Additionally, if the associate is 18 or older, they will operate equipment like automatic slicers to prepare ingredients.

Physical demands of the job include standing or walking for extended periods, lifting items up to 50 pounds occasionally, and the ability to work in various environments ranging from warm indoor settings to outdoor spaces. Associates must be able to handle allergens responsibly and tolerate a noisy atmosphere often created by music and busy customer activity. The position requires excellent communication skills, a neat appearance, and a genuine passion for customer service.

For Illinois-based associates, Potbelly mandates food safety certification within 30 days of employment, emphasizing the company's commitment to safety and compliance. Overall, the associate role at Potbelly is perfect for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy teamwork, have a strong sense of urgency, and are dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience to every customer.