BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. will celebrate its 25th anniversary in February 2008. The company started in 1983 in Troy, N.Y., where original founders Nord Brue and Mike Dressell opened their first location. Today, Bruegger's is an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc. and has 269 locations throughout 21 states.
"Bruegger's truly Americanized the bagel, which 25 years ago they could only be found in the Northeast. We brought the concept to the heartland and expanded from there," said Bruegger's chief executive officer Jim Greco.
During the anniversary celebration, many Bruegger's bakeries nationwide will offer its signature bagels with cream cheese for 99 cents from opening to 9 a.m. Feb. 1. Guests also are welcome to enjoy a free piece of birthday cake that day.
Financial success
Bruegger's 2007 fourth quarter marked 15 consecutive quarters of sales growth. For the 2007 fiscal year, same-store sales increased 3.1 percent for the company and 2.5 percent for the system.
Bruegger's gross sales reached $178 million systemwide in 2007 compared with $164 million systemwide for 2006. This year, growth plans call for the addition of 40 bakeries in both existing and new markets throughout the U.S.
Other company milestones throughout the 25 years include:
- Artificial trans fats are eliminated from the menu in 2007.
- In 2006, Bruegger's bakes the world's largest bagel, an official Guinness record, weighing in at 868 pounds.
- Green Bagels join the Bruegger's menu nationwide in 2004 for an annual St. Patrick's Day fundraiser.
- Bruegger's is purchased in 2003 by Sun Capital and James J. Greco, who is named CEO.
- The Softwich, a softer, square bagel is created in 2002.
- In 1995, the Herby Turkey sandwich is born and remains Bruegger's most popular sandwich.
