Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 87,590	$ 98,087
Sandwich shop operating expenses
Labor and related expenses	30,397	31,973
Occupancy expenses	15,028	14,377
Other operating expenses	12,765	12,145
General and administrative expenses	10,734	12,709
Depreciation expense	5,456	5,536
Pre-opening costs	64	10
Impairment and loss on disposal of property and equipment	5,957	82
Total expenses	104,575	102,810
Loss from operations	(16,985)	(4,723)
Interest expense	74	32
Loss before income taxes	(17,059)	(4,755)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(3,709)	13,619
Net loss	(13,350)	(18,374)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	(14)	65
Net loss attributable to Potbelly Corporation	$ (13,336)	$ (18,439)
Net loss per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.56)	$ (0.76)
Diluted	$ (0.56)	$ (0.76)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	23,646	24,133
Diluted	23,646	24,133
Product [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 86,961	$ 97,258
Sandwich shop operating expenses
Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation	24,174	25,978
Franchise Royalties And Fees [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 629	$ 829