News

Einstein Bros. expands Windy City presence

December 1, 2010

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has announced the signing of a multi-unit development deal with RT Development Chicago LLC to franchise Einstein Bros. Bagels restaurants in Chicago.

RT Development Chicago plans to open five Einstein Bros. Bagels locations within the next four years with the first one scheduled to open in mid-December at Lake Street and Michigan Avenue.

"The craveable food and comfortable atmosphere of the Einstein Bros. Bagels brand fit in well," Rita Baron, co-owner of RT Development Chicago LLC, said in a news release. "I look forward to bringing the brand's combination of great tasting fresh menu items made from high-quality ingredients and distinctive quick-casual service to local residents and the nearby workforce."

Baron also recently signed a multi-unit deal to franchise Einstein Bros. Bagels restaurants throughout the Springfield, Mo. area. Prior to restaurant ownership, she served as principal of Baron Design & Associates LLC, an established architectural firm in Springfield.

Baron co-owns the new restaurants planned for Chicago with business partner Terry Reynolds, who manages commercial property and real estate throughout Springfield, Mo. Baron and Reynolds' managing partners are Jay Hickman and Paul Sundy, who co-own a pair of Parlor Eighty-Eight restaurant/lounges with Baron.

As of November 2010, Einstein has signed 20 multi-unit franchise agreements, which, when fully developed, represent a total of 74 additional stores. The first two franchise locations opened in Jacksonville, Fla., and Rogers, Ark., in 2008. This year, plans call for 12 to 17 additional franchise locations to open.