A week or so ago, Areif Sless-Kitain [TOC's associate Music editor] approached David Tamarkin [TOC's associate Features editor] and me with an observation. Potbelly had stopped carrying locally made Vitner’s chips, Sless-Kitain reported, and was instead selling a new brand of chips—and they didn’t look local. Sless-Kitain was dismayed. I was tasked with investigating. Conveniently, I received an e-mail from Potbelly’s PR in my inbox announcing what I already knew: Potbelly had switched to Zapp’s chips.
The ensuing correspondence between the publicist and me is after the jump, but here’s the gist: Madison Avenue, 1; Julia Kramer, 0; Free Zapp’s chips today (Wednesday) between 11am and 2pm when you purchase any sandwich from any Chicagoland Potbelly.
From: jkramer@timeoutchicago.com
Subject: Re: Potbelly Sandwiches Find their Sandwich Soulmate
Date: May 29, 2009 1:09:11 PM CDT
To: [email address removed to protect this PR person]
Hi, Dara,
Thanks for sending this over. Indeed, there has been much discussion here at the TOC offices (located kitty-corner from Potbelly) over why Potbelly stopped providing Vitner’s chips—which are locally made on the South Side of Chicago—and now provides Zapp’s chips. Why the change away from supporting a local business?
Thanks,
Julia
Julia Kramer
Eat Out Writer
Time Out Chicago
From: [email address removed]
Subject: Re: Potbelly Sandwiches Find their Sandwich Soulmate
Date: June 1, 2009 3:34:32 PM CDT
To: jkramer@timeoutchicago.com
Hi Julia - Sorry for the delayed response! Our goal is to provide
customers at our locations across the country with the highest quality,
best tasting products we can find. We think Zapp’s chips are one of the
best chips we’ve ever tasted - the perfect soul mate for our sandwiches.
Zapp’s is a small family owned business based in Gramercy, Louisiana with a
unique and incredible tasting chip that we think is a great fit for
Potbelly.
We hope you guys like them as well!
Best,
Dara
Dara Cothran
Senior Account Executive
Euro RSCG Worldwide PR
200 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
www.eurorscgpr.com
Appreciate the desire to support local businesses but Zapp’s are fabulous chips, so good that we bring them home every time we visit NOLA. I applaud Potbelly’s decision.
Honestly, Zapp’s are WAY better than Vitner’s. I fell in love with the years ago when visiting New Orleans and am pleased to find ‘em so easily accessible here now!
HANDS DOWN ZAPPS ARE THE BEST!! While I am a long time Vitner customer, Zapps have won a permanent place in my heart (and tummy!)…these chips are way addictive…I’ve been eating Zapps by the case loads for years…Every time I visit NOLA or friends/family head down I DEMAND they bring back Zapps…great choice Potbelly!!
John…Seriously? “Tummy”? Are you 7?
I want to try Zapps! Vitners chips suck. It’s always a disappointment when that’s the only chip available at a food place.
Local shmocal. With the Internet, we’re all next-door neighbors!
The local puddin’ head has a lemonade stand on the corner, but I think I’ll stick with my Minute Maid straight from the carton.
Ok, I tried Zapps this morning on my way to work. Turns out they’re just as boring as Vitners. A chip is a chip is a chip, it would seem.
Potbelly’s quality has gone down since I remember. I used to visit the one by the Webster theater. Now there are a lot more chains but the quality isn’t up to par.
They’ve also decided to stop selling Vitners. This isn’t a huge problem since Zapp’s aren’t bad. But Vitners IMHO is better.
Potbelly’s now costs more, doesn’t taste as great, but has more locations. It’s Business 101.