Pig Out at Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Now Open Downtown

...or just head ten feet away to the nearest Subway if that's your cheap chain sandwich of choice. This little chain out of Chicago might give Subway a run for its money, though, with its old-timey feel, hand-dipped milkshakes, and live musicians. One of over 240 locations nationwide, Potbelly Sandwich Shop opened today at 263 Washington St. The flagship location began as an antique shop in Chicago in 1977; the owners randomly but apparently smartly decided to start serving lunch and bringing in live music to entertain customers. In 1996, a new owner purchased the store and began to expand it across the country. The first Boston location opened in April at Logan Airport.

Will Subway or Potbelly prevail, or will they co-exist peacefully? Customers of all appetites can find options at either spot: compare Subway's "fresh fit choices" and "$5-footlongs" (sorry, that theme song will be in your head the rest of the day) to Potbelly's "skinnys" and "bigs." Both restaurants have the standard deli meat repertoire of turkey, tuna, ham, and such, although Potbelly offers a potentially life-changing pizza sandwich with pepperoni, marinara, provolone, and mushrooms. And if you want a side of milkshake with your sandwich, you'll have to go to Potbelly.

Meanwhile, Earl of Sandwich will be opening any day now on the Common, offering the (self-proclaimed) "World's Greatest Hot Sandwich." Looks like a three-way sandwich duel is in order.

· Potbelly Sandwich Shop to open in downtown Boston [BRT]
· All coverage of Potbelly Sandwich Shop on Eater [~EBOS~]