Potbelly Opens Waldorf Station Shop Nov. 6
The Waldorf Station location is the chain's first shop in Charles County, operated by franchisees Bryant and Hampden Keil.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Potbelly is scheduled to open a new shop at Waldorf Station in Waldorf, Maryland, on November 6, 2026. The location is owned and operated by franchisees Bryant Keil and Hampden Keil and is the chain's first in Charles County.
Why it matters
The opening adds to Potbelly's network of 25 Maryland shops and extends the brand's presence into Southern Maryland. Waldorf residents gain a new local option for dine-in or pickup orders.
Potbelly's Maryland network stands at 25 shops, and the Keils have acquired 12 existing locations while committing to build 15 more. The release does not specify how quickly the new shops will open or whether the planned build-out is on schedule.
The players
Potbelly
Potbelly is a sandwich chain founded in Chicago in 1977 that operates shops across the United States.
Bryant Keil
Bryant Keil purchased the original Potbelly shop in Chicago in 1996 and led the chain's growth to 250 locations by 2008.
Hampden Keil
Hampden Keil is a franchisee who co-owns and operates the new Waldorf shop with Bryant Keil.
The details
The Waldorf Station shop is located in a 150-acre mixed-use center at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Maryland Route 5. A grand opening celebration is set for December 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., when the first 25 guests in line will receive free Potbelly for a year.
Timeline
1977: Potbelly opens its first shop in Chicago.
1996: Bryant Keil purchases the original Chicago shop.
2008: Potbelly grows to 250 locations under Keil's leadership.
November 6, 2026: The Waldorf Station shop opens.
December 1, 2026: Grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Franchise Growth Path
Potbelly's expansion follows the franchise model that carried the chain from its 1977 Chicago debut to 250 locations by 2008 under Bryant Keil's leadership. The Waldorf shop continues that pattern by placing franchisee-operated units in new Maryland markets.
Waldorf residents gain a closer Potbelly option for dine-in meals or orders placed ahead through Potbelly.com or the Potbelly App. Shoppers can also sign up for the Potbelly Perks loyalty program to earn rewards on purchases.
The takeaway
Residents planning to visit the Waldorf shop can order ahead through the Potbelly App to skip the line during opening weeks. Attending the December 1 grand opening puts guests in position for the free-for-a-year offer.
What happens next
The grand opening celebration takes place December 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with free Potbelly for a year offered to the first 25 guests in line.
Further reading
Find more local updates in Openings & Closings coverage.
More information
Sign up for the Potbelly Perks loyalty program to earn rewards on orders.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bay Net.
