News

Kneaders opens 1st location in Phoenix

May 27, 2013

Residents of Gilbert, Ariz., welcomed their first Kneaders Bakery & Café this week at 5155 E. Baseline Road. The first 100 customers received free French toast as part of the grand opening festivities, according to a company press release.

Kneaders, a Utah-based restaurant franchise specializing in European hearth breads, gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and breakfast items, also provides catering services for groups of all sizes, from birthday parties to weddings, and offers a variety of retail products including award-winning gift baskets and holiday-themed gifts.

"We look forward to becoming part of the Gilbert community and are excited to provide local residents with the Kneaders dining experience," said Andrew Smith, Kneaders master franchisee. "Our goal is to provide an experience where the atmosphere is comfortable, the food is fresh and customers feel cared for."

Priscilla Toa will act as operating managing partner for the new location. She started with Kneaders more than two years ago as a part-time cashier, and since has been inspired to stay with the company thanks to management opportunities, growth of the franchise and her passion for the brand, according to a news release.

"We've had tremendous growth over the past couple years, and I attribute that to our dedication to using only the highest-quality ingredients and consistently providing excellent customer service," said James Worthington, CEO, Kneaders. "I think Andrew and Priscilla will do an excellent job at upholding our high standards at this new location."

Colleen and Gary Worthington opened the first Kneaders in Orem, Utah, in 1997. Shortly after opening, James Worthington, CEO, and David Vincent, CFO, joined them, and they all continue to operate as the Kneaders franchisors to this day. Andrew Smith serves as a Kneaders' four-state development agent and a master franchisee. The brand now consists of 23 locations including 19 in Utah, one in Meridian, Idaho, two in Yuma, Ariz., and the soon-to-open location in Gilbert.

Read more about growth.