Potbelly seeks to turn around its flagging fortunes with new store designs, a franchise expansion and a lot of soul-searching

CHICAGO - When Alan Johnson took over as CEO of Potbelly 19 months ago, he saw a beloved sandwich chain that had lost its mojo and fallen behind its swelling roster of competitors.

The Chicago-based company had no app. It offered delivery only intermittently. The cozy look of its restaurants hadn't changed in some 20 years. It hardly advertised, and certainly couldn't turn on a dime to offer a timely promotion.

"I affectionately say we were in the slow casual business trapped in the fast casual industry," Johnson said.

Now Johnson and the management team he brought on to turn around the fortunes of the 42-year-old sandwich brand are trying to pick up the pace and grow Potbelly without messing with the magic that had gained the brand a strong following.

Among the changes are a new look for the restaurants and a new approach to franchising that will dramatically increase its franchise footprint.

All new Potbellys will