Following the record growth it experienced in 2009, Einstein Bros. Bagels has started the first quarter of 2010 with the opening of five new licensed locations.
"We have built tremendous momentum behind our license expansion and consider it a key to achieving our vision of becoming the fastest-growing fast casual chain in North America," said Jeff O'Neill, chief executive officer of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc.
Einstein Bros. Bagels opened 31 licensed locations in 2009. This year, the company plans to exceed its 2009 openings for another record year.
"By delivering the quality and freshness of a bakery/café with the speed of a QSR, we've built demand for our products among college students, military personnel, medical center professionals and travelers," O'Neill said.
At the end of 2009, the company had more than 180 licensed Einstein Bros. locations in the United States, along with 500-plus corporate and franchised stores across its three brands.
