From stoves to sandwiches – Europe’s first Potbelly launches in Stratford’s Westfield

Potbelly prides itself on 'serving a little soul with its sandwiches', employing live musicians for customers to enjoy with their food (Image: Archant)

Creating 25 local jobs, the newest edition to Stratford Westfield joins nearly 400 other established branches in the US, where the former Chicago antiques and stoves purveyor has become synonymous with tasty but affordable sandwiches, salads and shakes.

“We think that the UK market deserves a great sandwich,” said Potbelly senior vice president Matt Revord, who spoke at the opening along with branch owner Akbar Sheikh.

“Potbelly is bringing more great sandwiches to people. People laugh at us, but we really think that everybody deserves a little fun in their day and a great sandwich.”

A total of 25 staff – the majority local to Newham – will be employed at the store that will also play host to live musicians, joining the 600 already performing at Potbelly stores across the US.

“We grow this thing because people keep asking for it and there’s nothing really tricky about it, it’s really great fresh food at a really good price. People like it,” added Mr Revord.

“People love to hang out, listen to music and have a milkshake and that’s what it’s about.”

Whether this chain will be the first of many in the UK and Europe has yet to be seen, with Mr Revord saying: “We never like to predict. We hope that people will love us, and if they do we’ll open more.”

Visit potbellyuk.com to find out more about the store .