# Meaty Macaroni-Topped Sandwiches Potbelly Has a New Smokestack Pork & Mac Sandwich for Fall By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2024-10-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokestack-pork-mac-sandwich References: [franchising](https://www.franchising.com/news/20241010_potbelly_is_bringing_the_warmth__comfort_this_october_with_the_hot_new_smok.html)  [Potbelly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potbelly-cubano) is leaning into comfort food this fall with the debut of its new Smokestack Pork & Mac sandwich. Available for a limited time starting on October 14, 2024, the new Smokestack Pork & Mac sandwich features everything you need to get through the chilly days ahead. The sandwich starts with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork doused in a smoky BBQ sauce. The pork is then paired with [creamy mac & cheese](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-chicken-bacon-mac-n-cheese) and oven-toasted so its served warm. As Eric Chenel, Director of [Consumer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toffee-butter-brickle-cookie) Insights and Innovation at Potbelly, explains, "The Smokestack Pork & Mac sandwich is unmistakably Potbelly, bringing together multiple tastes and flavors that our fans love into one tender, smoky, and creamy oven-toasted experience that will leave them wanting more." Image Credit: Potbelly ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 29% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fusion Comfort Foods:** Combining familiar comfort foods into innovative sandwiches can create a unique dining experience that appeals to nostalgic and modern tastes alike. - **Limited-time Offerings:** Seasonal and limited-time menu items generate urgency and excitement, driving customer engagement and trial. - **Flavor-enhanced Sandwiches:** Layering diverse and rich flavors within classic sandwich formats can elevate the casual dining sector's appeal. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast-casual Dining:** Introducing novel combinations of beloved dishes can set fast-casual chains apart in a competitive market. - **Food and Beverage Product Development:** Innovative menu items that meld comfort and novelty can drive the next wave of product development. - **Restaurant Marketing:** Capitalizing on seasonal trends with creative offerings can bolster a restaurant’s brand and customer loyalty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cubano.md) - [Hefty Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potbelly-cubano.md) - [Pasta-Topped Pulled Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-pulled-pork-sub.md) - [Macaroni Stuffed Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beefy-mac-cheese-sandwich.md) - [Meat-Stacked Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoke-stacks-menu.md) - [Limited-Edition Pulled Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erbert-gerberts-porkwich.md) - [Spicy Appetizer Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potbelly-jalapeo-popper-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Summery Farmhouse-Inspired Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farmhouse-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Cheese-Filled QSR Combos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlotzskys-mac-and-cheese.md)