Schlotzsky’s

Schlotzsky’s is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its sandwiches, pizzas, flatbreads, and salads, with a particular emphasis on fresh-baked bread and bold, distinctive flavors. The company began in 1971 as a single shop in Austin, Texas, where it gained a following for The Original sandwich, inspired by the muffuletta. Over time, Schlotzsky’s expanded its menu and footprint, developing a reputation for a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse selection of offerings.

A pivotal moment in the company’s history came in 2001, when it was acquired by Focus Brands. This partnership brought additional resources and operational expertise, helping Schlotzsky’s accelerate its growth and refine its franchise model. As of November 2025, Schlotzsky’s operates more than 320 locations across the United States, with a particularly strong presence in the South, Midwest, and select Western markets.

In the past five years, Schlotzsky’s has actively pursued expansion through franchising and new store development, focusing on both suburban and high-traffic urban areas. The brand has adapted to changing consumer preferences by rolling out drive-thru formats and co-branded units with Cinnabon, another Focus Brands concept. These new formats have allowed Schlotzsky’s to fit a variety of retail environments, from standalone pads to end-cap spaces in shopping centers.

The company’s current growth strategy targets priority markets such as Texas, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, and Colorado. Backed by the scale and multi-concept synergies of Focus Brands, Schlotzsky’s continues to seek new franchisees and locations, positioning itself as a flexible and reliable tenant for a range of commercial real estate settings. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and benefits from shared leadership and resources with other well-known brands under the Focus Brands umbrella.