News

Au Bon Pain finds success in store redesigns

February 24, 2011

Au Bon Pain’s store redesign in several Boston locations has proven positive for the bakery-café chain of more than 300 locations.

The impact of the nearly $1 million renovation has executives planning a makeover for another 26 stores this year, with the idea of re-imaging stores system-wide throughout the next several years. Some of the redesigns will includescaled-back versions that require less capital.

According to a story in the The Boston Globe, the makeovers have resulted in a brighter ambience, expanded product offerings and a double-digit increase in sales within the past three months. Stores employees also use iPads to enhance the ordering process for customers.

From The Boston Globe:

Au Bon Pain, which for years has lagged behind fast-growing rivals like Panera Bread, is seeking to bring this concept across the country, including new markets in Sacramento, Nashville, and Cincinnati.

“We’re taking the customer experience to the next level,’’ said Sue Morelli, Au Bon Pain’s chief executive, as she dug into a cup of her new favorite soup, Tuscan White Bean, at the Boylston Street shop. “The response we’ve been getting to our new prototype has validated our decision to accelerate our growth, including by going to new markets nationally.’’ ...

The newly remodeled stores feature colorful greens and yellows and signs promoting the use of antibiotic-free turkey and cage-free eggs. The soup station, an awkward focal point in its other cafes, is now tucked in a corner. Nearby, an expanded “Grab and Go’’ section offers a vast array of sandwiches, salads, and wraps and a new smaller-size cup of soup.