If you’ve ever hit a RaceTrac convenience store on a road trip or ducked into Potbelly Sandwich Works for a toasted sub, the recent news might surprise you: the two brands are joining forces. RaceTrac, the family-owned gas station and c-store company based in Georgia, is acquiring Potbelly in a $566 million deal. It’s a mashup of fuel, food, and fast-casual dining that could change how, and where, fans get their favorite sandwiches.
Are Potbelly and RaceTrac Compatible?
Potbelly, the Chicago-born sandwich chain founded in 1977, has long been known for its toasted subs, quirky store designs, and live-music vibe. Despite national expansion with over 445 locations across 31 states, it has always carried a loyal Midwest following. RaceTrac, meanwhile, is a Southern powerhouse with more than 500 convenience store and fuel locations across 12 states. By acquiring Potbelly, RaceTrac instantly gains a recognizable food brand that can compete with the likes of Subway, Jersey Mike’s, and Jimmy John’s.
The acquisition signals that convenience stores aren’t content with simply being pit stops. They’re now vying for a larger slice of the fast-casual market, and they’re willing to spend big to get it.
What Will It Mean For Potbelly and RaceTrac Fans?
So what does this mean if you’re a Potbelly regular or a RaceTrac loyalist? While details are still rolling out, the possibilities are clear: Potbelly’s sandwiches could start showing up in RaceTrac stores, giving travelers a higher-quality food option on the go. Fans in the South who never had access to Potbelly might suddenly see it pop up alongside their gas pumps and coffee stations.
For existing Potbelly customers, the deal could mean accelerated growth. Backed by RaceTrac’s footprint, the chain may finally expand more aggressively, bringing its signature toasted sandwiches to new regions.
Gas Station Food is Trending
If you think of gas station food as a bag of chips and a hot dog on rollers, think again. Over the past decade, convenience store brands like Wawa, Sheetz, Buc-ee’s and Casey’s have built cult followings for their fresh-made food, rivaling traditional fast food chains. RaceTrac stepping into the ring with Potbelly is another sign that “food at the pump” isn’t just an afterthought—it’s big business.
The shift plays into changing consumer habits. Travelers want quick service, but also demand quality. The RaceTrac-Potbelly deal is about more than sandwiches. It’s about redefining convenience. For fans, it could mean grabbing a Wreck or an Italian sub on your next fuel stop or watching Potbelly’s quirky, music filled shops spread further across the map. Either way, America’s gas station food wars just got a serious upgrade.
