Major franchise group signs Panera agreement in Arizona

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Panera Bread announced a new agreement with Dennis and Shane Hitzeman and Tom McDonald to develop bakery cafés in the south Phoenix territory in Arizona.

 

According to a news release, the new franchise group brings considerable experience in the restaurant industry to their new endeavor with Panera Bread. Dennis Hitzeman and Tom McDonald are currently partners in an organization that owns and operates 54 Burger King locations in the Atlanta, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Dallas markets. In addition, the group operates four Fazoli's locations in the Las Vegas market, as well as two fine-dining steakhouses in Phoenix and La Jolla, Calif.

 

Under the terms of the new agreement, the franchise group will open a total of 14 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in southern Maricopa county, as well as Pinal and Pima counties.

 

"We are excited to be part of Panera Bread, a brand that we respect and one that has established itself as a leader in the industry," said Hitzeman. "We look forward to further expanding Panera's reach in the Phoenix marketplace and believe that we will be a welcome addition to the community."