Potbelly Sandwich Shop — Restaurant in Champaign

Horrible Experience

After having tried Potbelly in Bloomington, I was glad to learn Champaign had one that wasn't on campus, because parking can be frustrating. I wish I'd gone to campus.

Using the app to order, I arrived before the estimated time, so I expected to wait a little. The order was for 2 sandwiches, two chips and two drinks.

Upon going inside, with the exception of the two tables that were occupied, every table needed cleaned. Mostly food crumbs, although one also had used napkins and another a half-full drink cup.

After cleaning off a table, the wait began. The digital board showed my order was "being prepared". Once my designated time arrived, I went to the counter to check on the progress, thinking perhaps I needed to check in. I was told no rather rudely, so I went back to sit down.

All-in-all, I waited 45 minutes, finally reading the other reviews of this location while I did. They are not glowing, for good reason. During this time, at least two groups of people came in, ordered at the counter, got their food, cleaned a table, ate and left. There was also movement in the drive thru. I thought ordering with the app would be more convenient than the counter.

My name never moved from "being prepared," so I went up to the counter again, only to learn that my food was put out at some point, but my name was never moved, because "there are only two of us working." I don't know how that keeps you from changing a status, which must be quicker and easier to do than making a sandwich.

At this point, I wanted out of there before I got rude. Once I got home, I learned that my chips weren't in the bag and my sandwich was on the wrong bread. That was especially funny, because I ordered the Mama's Meatball as it comes, but with extra cheese. Why the starting point of bread was wrong, I can't guess. The missing chips are on me, because after the whole experience, I should have thoroughly checked everything.

It's quite safe to say I'll be braving the college campus rather than going to this location again. Understaffed or not, this is a poor way to...

This location is simply awful! They are so short staffed and the staff they do have really don't care about anything. I placed a lunch order, to go online that had a pick up time of 12:00. I arrived at 12:05 and it was not ready. Fine. I waited. No asked me what my name was so I decided I would flag them down and tell them I ordered for a noon pick up. They told me they were right now preparing it. That was a lie.

A little while later the gal behind the counter waited on several other people then asked me again what my name was. I told her and she said they were preparing it. That was a lie. It is now 12:20. I am late getting back from lunch by now.

I waited patiently for another 10 minutes. This kind gentleman who got served before me told me I needed to up there and say something. I knew this would do no good because obviously they were not interested in helping me. Although I had already paid for my sandwich I had to walk away without it.

I left at 12:30 without my lunch, late returning to the office and a bad review just waiting...

Everytime I had gone to a PotBelly's (generally in the Chicago area), I had a great experience. This PotBelly's was definitely an exception. What a horrible experience!!!! I decided to go through the drive up. My order was taken promptly, but I had to wait around 15 minutes, if not longer to pay and another 5 minutes to get my sandwich. The sandwich was cold. I had asked for oil and italian seasoning which I didn't get. This sandwich was not only cold, it was dry. Just HORRIBLE!

I tried to call the owner to inform them of my experience instead of posting it on a public website. I was told that the owner, Lonny, was out of town for the weekend.

When I tried calling Lonny, I not only wanted to share my experience, but to wish them good luck. If something doesn't change as to how they are doing business, this restaurant will soon be closing their...