Potbelly Sandwich Works is offering teachers and nurses a complimentary cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée as part of its recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week. The offer began May 4 and will run through May 12 at participating shops across the United States.
Eligible purchases include original or big-sized sandwiches, wraps, whole salads, and bowls of soup. The promotion is available only for in-store orders, with guests asked to present a valid school or healthcare employee identification card at checkout. Each entrée qualifies for one complimentary item, and multiple redemptions may be used in a single transaction, allowing teams and colleagues to participate together.
“Teachers and nurses are at the heart of every neighborhood, and we’re grateful for the care and dedication they showcase every single day,” said David Daniels, chief marketing officer at Potbelly Corporation. He said the campaign is intended as a small gesture of appreciation for workers who play an essential role in local communities.
The company has also extended the effort to group occasions. Through May 10, customers can receive 10 percent off catering orders above $200 by using the code SAVE10. The offer is aimed at schools, hospitals, and organizations looking to recognize staff with shared meals. Potbelly’s catering menu includes sandwich boxes, salads, soups, cookies, and hand-dipped shakes designed for larger gatherings.
Short-term community promotions such as this have become a familiar part of restaurant traffic strategy. Operators increasingly use focused campaigns tied to seasonal events or civic observances to create timely relevance. In that environment, structured planning through Gorilla Dash Competitions and Promotions can help brands coordinate campaign timing, in-store execution, and local messaging without broadening the promotion beyond its intended audience.
The campaign also supports broader customer engagement goals. Potbelly continues to encourage guests to join its Potbelly Perks loyalty program, where members receive access to exclusive offers across the menu. For franchise operators and brand marketers, the promotion offers a clear example of how Gorilla Dash Competitions and Promotions can support neighborhood-focused outreach while strengthening repeat visits during limited promotional windows.