Another Restaurant Chain Returns PPP Monies: Potbelly Gives Back $10 Million SBA Loan
A fourth public restaurant chain is returning the Paycheck Protection Program loan it received through the federal government’s Small Business Administration funding. National sandwich chain Potbelly (PBPB) announced it was returning the $10 million loan it received through the program.
Potbelly said in a statement that its “sales dropped dramatically when COVID-19 hit, forcing us to furlough employees, close shops, and significantly cut salaries at all levels of the organization. In order to financially support our in-shop employees, and based on SBA guidelines, we applied and qualified for assistance under the Payroll Protection Program.”
The company went on to say that it was “surprised and disappointed” that funding through the Paycheck Protection Program was exhausted so quickly. The program was designed to help businesses with less than 500 employees that were struggling through the coronavirus pandemic.
Potbelly made the decision to return the loan monies after it receiving “further clarification from the Treasury Department” and said it would “continue to seek alternatives to help support our employees and enable them to return to work so they can serve our loyal customers.”
Potbelly has more than 400 restaurants located throughout the U.S.
The company is not the only restaurant chain that has returned the money it received through the Paycheck Protection Program. Last week, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, which operates Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, repaid $20 million it received from the federal government. Burger chain Shake Shack also returned $10 million under the loan program, while Kura Sushi returned $6 million and Sweetgreens gave back $10 million.
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