Potbelly Sandwich Works Opening A Location In Fort Myers

I love a good sandwich and one of my favorite places, Potbelly Sandwich Works is opening a location in Fort Myers.

When it comes to a good sandwich, there are so many fast casual places you can go. But one of my all-time favorites is Potbelly Sandwich Works. I first fell in love when I was going to Columbia College in downtown Chicago. My friend Josh and I would make it a regular stop for dinner between classes at least once a week, if not more. But since then, I haven't lived in a place that has had a Potbelly and I've been missing it. We learned last summer that the sandwich chain was expanding to Florida and now, even closer to home as they'll be opening a location here in Fort Myers. I couldn't be more excited.

Friday, September 20 will be a big day in Fort Myers celebrating the grand opening of Potbelly at the Palmetto Commons at the intersection of Colonial Blvd and I-75. According to a press release, this will be the first of 8 planned locations in Charlotte, Collier, and Lee counties.

Tommy Sims, CEO of Innovative Consulting & Management, says: “We’ve heard the demand for a Potbelly in this region and are thrilled to be the first to bring this beloved brand to the area. With our prime location, we’re positioned to help the neighborhood experience the joy of toasty sandwiches, fresh salads, hand-dipped shakes and shop-baked cookies. We’re confident this new shop will quickly become a cherished community favorite.”

During the grand opening next Friday, the first 100 guests will receive a free sandwich coupon for their next visit.

Regular hours for Potbelly in Fort Myers are 10am-9pm everyday with delivery, order ahead and catering available through Potbelly.com or the Potbelly App.

When you are taking a road trip into and out of Southwest Florida, it can take a minute. Not just because of traffic but because we are so far south. It's inevitable that you'll need to stop for some kind of refueling. Next time you need a good pit stop for sustenance, check out the biggest BBQ sandwich found in Bartow.

It's at a restaurant called Boney Mac's BBQ and it is my latest discovery for Favorite Florida Pit Stops. Favorite Florida Pit Stops is a culinary and travel series. It primarily features mom and pop restaurants along well traveled roads to and from Southwest Florida.

This is one of those places that you can smell before you see on Highway 17 and Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd. in Bartow. You likely whiz right by if 17 is the route you take to Orlando and other Central Florida locations.

Boney Mac's is old school. The smoker is in the parking lot facing the highway. The interior is wide open and orders are taken at a small counter. Beware, it also has tempting, homemade desserts linted up. The selections change daily.

The rest of the menu is full of southern and soulful favorites like collard greens, lima beans, fried okra, mac-n-cheese and more. Smoked meats include chicken, ribs and pork which all come in a variety of ways.

I ordered what I thought was a simple rib sandwich. I could not pick it up. The rib meat didn't even come close to fitting between the two pieces of white bread it came with and I wasn't mad about it at all. The amount of meat was enough to feed three people.

The BBQ sauce on the side was sweet and tangy mustard base. Best part was the value. The sandwich was only $11. If you are trying to feed a bunch of people and not break the bank, this is your stop. Everything I had was delicious too.

There is another great stop for BBQ lovers on Highway 17. It's about 20 minutes south of Boney Mac's. Click here to find more about Smokin' Joes.

It's easy to drive by Boney Mac's BBQ. The building sits on an odd corner of Highway 17 and Martin Luther King Blvd in Bartow. If you pass it, it's pretty easy to do a U-Turn. I know from experience.

The parking lot of Boney Mac's BBQ is reserved for smoking. Smoking slabs of pork that is. Don't worry, there is more parking along the side.

This is how Boney Mac's BBQ serves up a sandwich. Piles of perfectly cooked meat between two slices of white bread. Classic.

I caught Boney Mac's smoker in action. It's just outside the small restaurant on a concrete slab. It smells as good as it tastes. Find the restaurant in Bartow next road trip

Boney Mac's Broccoli Salad is a staple. It is sweet and tangy and makes you feel like you've had something healthful...kind of.

The desserts at Boney Mac's BBQ are all homemade. I couldn't wait to try this red velvet cake, but I left it on the counter. Always double check your order before you leave.

The walls at Boney Mac's BBQ have fun posters as well as photos paying homage to local Civil Rights leaders.