Campustown has seen a myriad of changes recently, and there will soon be one more.

A new franchise from the popular company Potbelly Subs is coming to Ames, Iowa. This will be the first Potbelly Subs franchise in the state.

Potbelly Subs is a sandwich shop that is nationally known and has locations in several states. Potbelly Subs is originally from the Chicago area and is hoping to continue expanding as time goes on.

Paul Goldammer, franchise owner of Potbelly Subs in Sioux Falls, SD, decided he wanted to bring one to Ames and start building in Iowa. His new shop will be located at 2300 Lincoln Way next door to Barefoot Campus Outfitters and is anticipated to open this spring before the end of the semester.  

Goldammer plans on starting the hiring process in March in hopes of building a well-trained team for the opening. He hopes to get the word out through campus and city channels, including the student job board on AccessPlus.

“Their shakes are the best I’ve had,” said Jenna Hlavaty, freshman in animal science. “If anything, you have to try one of their shakes.”

Amy Stark, sophomore in genetics, agrees with Hlavaty.

“Their milkshakes are life,” Stark said. “The butter cookies they put on the straws are a wonderful addition and they’re so good.”

Goldammer takes pride in Potbelly’s quality, saying the company prepares its ingredients fresh daily. Cookies are also baked daily to remain the fresh quality of a soft cookie, he said.

Although the menu may be limited on opening day, the plan is to be fully running with all menu items shortly thereafter.

Potbelly Subs’ menu is available online for viewing before opening. There’s also a store locator in case anyone needs a fix after going back home for the summer.

Goldammer hopes to show the Ames and ISU community that Potbelly Subs is different than other sub shops.

“[Potbelly] always goes the extra step,” Goldammer said.

The environment is expected to be very homey and have live music, and may possibly hold mic nights.

Goldammer is excited to open the shop in hopes of being an addition to the Ames community. Goldammer wants to start opening more franchises across Iowa and hopes to expand the company and its values even further.