0 Comments
Au Bon Pain at Copley Place in Boston
Au Bon Pain founder Louis Kane was strolling through Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace in 1978 when he came across a display of French bakery ovens. The aroma and quality of fresh-baked bread inspired him to create the restaurant, whose name translates roughly as "the place of good bread."
 
Thirty years later, the company has expanded to more than 225 locations. Earlier this year, private-equity firm LNK Partners acquired a majority ownership interest, putting more than $100 million into the transaction. The investment will support the company's expansion in the United States and across the globe. "The rest of the world really lives in urban, dense markets," said Au Bon pain CEO Sue Morelli. "And Au Bon Pain translates beautifully to these other countries."
 
Lately, Au Bon Pain has developed a reputation for food that's not only good, but also good for you. The company was one of the first chains to begin removing artificial trans fats from its products in 2003, and now all its products have zero grams artificial trans fat.
 
Au Bon Pain also uses only all-natural chicken in its sandwiches, salads and wraps. Earlier this year, it was recognized by the editors of Health magazine as one of "America's Healthiest Restaurants." The editors praised Au Bon Pain's Nutrition Kiosks, which allow guests to plan a nutritious meal and sort the menu by a specific nutritional requirement — high fiber or protein; or low carb, fat, cholesterol, sodium or calories.
 
Au Bon Pain also offers a "Smart Menu" application via the company's Web site, where customers can view the nutrition information for a specific combination of food choices and search for combinations that best meet their individual dietary needs.
 
Au Bon Pain introduced a new product line in 2008 called Portions, a menu of 14 dishes made fresh daily, packaged individually and containing 200 or fewer calories apiece. They are designed to tap into the tapas/small-plates trend. The company recently expanded Portions with five dessert choices, each with 200 calories or fewer per serving.
                                                                                           — Richard Slawsky
To download the rest of our 2008 Top 100 list, including the marketing trend of the year, technology of the year, food trend of the year and our "Fabulous 50" and "Sweet 16" lists, click here.
 

Related Content

Reader Comments

Add a Comment

We welcome your thoughtful comments. All comments will display your real name.

Want to participate in the discussion?

Or log in for complete access.

  • Clear
  • Post
Be the first to post a comment for this story.
Products & Services

DiamondTouch Point-of-Sale

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/4283.png

4283/DiamondTouch-Point-of-Sale

Digital Signage

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/4756.png

4756/Digital-Signage

World’s Fastest Drive-Thru by NEXTEP SYSTEMS

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/DriveThruKiosk_Nextep.jpg

1923/World-s-Fastest-Drive-Thru-by-NEXTEP-SYSTEMS

Self Order Kiosks | NEXTEP SYSTEMS

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/self_order_kiosk_100x75.jpg

1474/Self-Order-Kiosks-NEXTEP-SYSTEMS

Shredded Beef | Shredded Pork | Shredded Chicken | Burke

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/ShreddedMeatsThumbNail.gif

1256/Shredded-Beef-Shredded-Pork-Shredded-Chicken-Burke

Digital Signage PC Solution with Maximum Flexibility

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/philipsicon.jpg

4011/Digital-Signage-PC-Solution-with-Maximum-Flexibility

VGS Variations® - Menuboard & Display System

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/ProdLine_Var2_100.jpg

1620/VGS-Variations-Menuboard-Display-System

Hiring

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/1860.png

1860/Hiring

Technology and Integration Services

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/4494.png

4494/Technology-and-Integration-Services

Marketing and Creative Services

http://global.networldalliance.com/new/images/products/4491.png

4491/Marketing-and-Creative-Services

Customer Experience Technology Buyer
Request Information From Suppliers
Save time looking for suppliers. Complete this form to submit a Request for Information to our entire network of partners.
Mobile Payments 101: Restaurants