Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. is opening new franchise territories nationwide as demand builds among local investors to be part the Einstein Bros. Bagels brand.
The brand is targeting the greater Denver area, including Fort Collins and Colorado Springs, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington, D.C., for growth through franchising.
"We are in a growth mode, and the recent openings of new locations and signed multiunit franchise agreements confirm that demand for our brand continues to build," said Jeff O'Neill, CEO of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, in a news release. "We want to be the fastest growing fast casual restaurant chain in America, and with the innovative programs we've initiated, that goal is well within reach."
As of Jan. 8, 2010, the company had signed 14 multiunit franchise agreements, which, when fully developed, will represent 57 additional stores. The first two franchise locations opened in Jacksonville, Fla., and Rogers, Ark., in 2008. Additional franchise locations opened in 2009 in Texas and Georgia.
Einstein Bros. Bagels plans to open 12-16 franchise locations in 2010 in addition to 10-12 corporate stores. Momentum also continues to build for opening new licensed locations. Einstein Bros. opened 31 licensed locations in 2009 and plans to exceed that number this year.
