Team Member

Potbelly; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Domestic Partnership Benefits

Paid Parental Leave

FSA/HSA with Employer Contribution

Commuter Benefit Program

401(k) with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Discount Program

Flexible Work Schedule

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Potbelly Sandwich Works is looking for friendly, outgoing team members to join our fast-paced environment in Waukegan, IL. The role offers a pay range of $17.25–$17.75 per hour plus digital tips and a suite of benefits, with multiple shifts available.

As a Potbelly Associate, you’ll be the primary customer contact, delivering fast, friendly service and a clean, inviting dining experience. No experience required; growth opportunities exist within a national brand.

Qualifications

• You are at least 16 years of age and have a friendly, customer-first mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Comfortable working in a bustling kitchen; knife skills are a big plus.
• Ability to manage allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.
• You are a team player and able to stand/walk for extended periods.
• IL applicants: must become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep, front) as directed by a Shift Leader or Manager.
• Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety.
• Restock food line, chips and cooler.
• Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream) efficiently.
• If 18 or older, use of the automatic slicer to prep food items.
• Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash.
• Operate cash register and follow cash handling procedures.
• Effectively handle customer complaints/issues.
• Takes delivery/catering/pickup orders over the phone.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer-first mindset

Strong communication

Knife skills

Allergen awareness

Team player

Stand/walk ability

Food safety certification

Job description

PAY TRANSPARENCY: earn between $17.25 and $17.75 plus digital tips!*

Do you hunger for more? Potbelly Sandwich Shop is looking for friendly and outgoing people who enjoy working in a fast-paced, friendly environment. We are where good vibes and great careers are a way of life! What started as a small antique store in 1977 has become a nationally recognized neighborhood sandwich shop with over 400 locations across the United States. But toasty sandwiches are only as good as the people behind them. And yeah we've got the best. Ready to join our growing Potbelly Nation?

A Potbelly Associate's job is to help our customers enjoy lunch again. Since they are the primary point of customer contact, it is up to them to provide our customers an excellent experience by providing fast, friendly and efficient service and by delivering a quality and consistent product every time, in a clean and inviting environment.

What's In It For You**:

• Competitive pay!
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Domestic Partnership Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• FSA and HSA with Employer Contribution
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Retirement Savings 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Discount Program
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Career growth opportunities

**If hired, you must meet and maintain all eligibility requirements to qualify**

What you bring to the table:

• you are at least 16 years of age
• A friendly, customer-first mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working in a bustling kitchen environment (knife skills are a big plus!)
• You can manage potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish
• You're a team player
• You're able to stand/walk a minimum of 3 hours or as needed
• You're able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Illinois Applicants - all IL employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.

Job Duties and Functions:

• Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep, front) as directed by a Shift Leader or Manager.
• Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety
• Restock food line, chips and cooler
• Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently
• If 18 or older, use of the automatic slicer to prep food items
• Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash
• Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures
• Effectively handle customer complaints/issues
• Takes delivery/catering/pickup orders over the phone
• Other duties as assigned

Disclaimers

*Potbelly cannot make guarantees about tip earnings*

At Potbelly, we are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and strengths. We believe that inclusion, collaboration, and mutual respect enhance the way we serve our customers and work together as a team. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We're an equal opportunity employer. Each applicant will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Potbelly Sandwich Works may use artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools as part of its hiring and recruitment process. These tools may collect and analyze data including questionnaire and assessment responses, resume content, and professional profile information. AI-assisted tools are used for all position types. All final employment decisions are made by people. Potbelly may also use additional AI-assisted tools from time to time in its hiring process.

If you have questions about how AI is used in connection with your application, or if you would like to request a reasonable accommodation related to the use of AI in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by [9/22/2026] to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.

Position Information

Company: Potbelly Corporate

Position: Team Member

Status: Part Time

Shift: First (Day), Second (Afternoon), Third (Night)

Req #: 11099460

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Location: 760 Waukegan Road, Waukegan, US, IL, 60085

Job Category: Associate