Jan G.
Yelp
My favorite sandwich shop in the Brazos Valley. Not only is it my go-to place for lunch, but Potbelly is on speed-dial, or rather speed-fax, for every work-related occasion that requires ordering in a delivered lunch or dinner.
On Administrative Professionals day, given the suggestion of a nearby locally owned upscale establishment known for its wood-fired pizza and strawberry tarts, I opted instead for workaday Potbelly. (My boss was surprised that I would prefer a sandwich place over linen tablecloths and fancy ambience, but I think Potbelly won even him over.) They just get it right with their hot sandwiches (veggie and tuna are my favorites) with complex, layered flavors enhanced by the hot peppers in oil. The Zapp's jalapeno chips are not muted down for the lowest common denominator. In addition to the standard fountain drinks, Potbelly has Tazo tea and an eclectic collection of bottled soft drinks. The relic-filled dining room with wood furniture, booths, and, in the evenings, live music, making for an inviting atmosphere with a local flavor. The staff seems to enjoy their work.
Delivery is right on target: sandwiches are packed in foil-lined compartmented corrugated cardboard boxes to keep them warm and crisp. Whenever I call (a few days after faxing my order) to give my credit card number, every staff person seems to be already familiar with my order. Potbelly delivers 16-oz. (too large) containers of mustard, mayo, and peppers. Skip the mustard and mayo, but keep the peppers. And talk about prompt! My orders always arrived with militiary punctuality. Yes, it's a chain, but they work--and succeed--at "localizing."