Chicago, IL (June 26, 2007) — Potbelly Sandwich Works is pleased to announce that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bryant Keil received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2007 Award in the Retail/Consumer Products category in the Lake Michigan Area program. The award was presented at a gala event at Navy Pier, Chicago on Friday, June 22, 2007.

According to Ernst & Young, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. “This award belongs to the 3,861 loyal Potbelly employees who work so hard everyday to promote a culture of kindness and uncompromising service for our customers,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bryant Keil. “I believe that our perseverance in the face of obstacles along the way is what has allowed us to be successful.”

Potbelly began in 1977 as a small antique store and over the years, Potbelly customers have become fans who spread the word about its awesome oven-toasted sandwiches. The great food, live local music, nice, friendly people, and fun, energetic atmosphere make Potbelly “a first class dive.”

Currently, there are more than 150 Potbelly stores located in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, and Wisconsin.

As a Lake Michigan Area program award winner, Keil is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 national program. The national award winners will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, CA on November 17, 2007.


ABOUT POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS
Potbelly's unique experience is defined by its combination of hot sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, tasty made to order salads, live local music, as well as friendly and lively people. For more information visit the company’s Web site at www.potbelly.com.