New Potbelly Calls Howard Home

A new Potbelly Sandwich Shop has been freshly rooted in the center of the Shaw-Howard neighborhood. 

The long lines and packed tables, simply attests to the quality sandwich's made on fresh baked bread, daily. The smiling staff and scent of their signature oatmeal chocolate chip cookies greets students in search of a good bite at the door of their new Georgia Avenue location.  

Howard students, employees and Shaw residents, have been visiting the new store in large numbers for leisure and a quick, savory meal every day since it's early August opening. 

Potbelly, a restaurant that boasts "Good Vibes and Great Sandwiches," has been getting all of its visitors full and in great spirits, making our university and its surrounding neighborhood its main focus. Leon Evison, the general manager of the latest inclusion of the Potbelly chain, is excited about the new location. 

. "The community has embraced us wholeheartedly," Evison said. "Everyone has gone out of their way to help us become successful. In that success, we have opened up as the number one  Potbelly of 2011. We want to grow with our community, and give back as much as possible."

With McDonald's and Subway being the main eateries on Howard's sector of Georgia Avenue for the past several years, students and residents are amped to have another option.

"It's phenomenal," said Erin White, a Detroit native and sophomore nursing major. "It's a new variety and a new taste. It's healthy, nice and fast."

All competition, however, is very friendly. Starbucks and McDonald's employees frequent the sandwich shop, creating friendships and deals with the Potbelly staff.

 "Personally, I love it," said Ayanna Symone, a Starbucks barista. "I like the food and the environment. I guess maybe it's kind of bad for Starbucks business, but otherwise I love it."

According to Evison, the community and the other businesses in the area support Potbelly just as much as the university. 

"It's not about taking away any business," said Evison. "It's the fact that we are bringing a different variety—a different option—for the community. It is adding to the community, not taking anything away."

The design of the restaurant is certainly a bonus to the exceptional sandwiches and staff. Sticking to Potbelly's theme, there is a vast amount of vintage décor but to add a twist, this particular store is filled with Howard rarities; antique photographs and records grace the walls.

"The artifacts give the restaurant that extra boost," said White. "It makes us feel like we finally have something of our own. You just get a sense of home. It's really cool."

Aside from the Howard memorabilia, Potbelly has organized alternative methods to network with the university.

"For our grand opening we are reaching out to all of the Howard fraternities and sororities to stroll in front of the store," said Evison. "We're also reaching out to students to actually perform in the restaurant. On Wednesdays and Sundays, we are hosting poetry nights, and we're still looking for other artists from the Howard community."

Kevin Coleman, a manager at Potbelly, takes in pride in what he feels this new Potbelly brings to the area. 

"Giving some flavor to the neighborhood. I feel that we're now an intrical part of the community, or at least the block, in some way. It feels pretty good to be servicing my fellow African Americans,"Coleman said.