News

Au Bon Pain plans Japanese expansion

January 15, 2007

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain announced it signed a master franchise agreement with Japan-based REINS International Inc. REINS' portfolio includes restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets and restaurant distributors.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with such an experienced foodservice company for our expansion into Japan," Au Bon Pain president and chief executive Sue Morelli said in a news release. "We know that our partners at REINS have the vision to successfully introduce our restaurants to the Japanese market."

Following a management buy-back of Au Bon Pain this year, Morelli has led a number of significant growth initiatives, including an international expansion into Kuwait and Thailand, and the introduction of The Bistro by Au Bon Pain suburban concept.