Panera Bread Announces Expansion in New York City

 

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo., Aug 18, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Panera Bread (PNRA) today announced a new agreement with Doherty Breads, LLC to develop bakery-cafes in the Queens County region of New York. Doherty currently operates Panera locations in Suffolk and Nassau counties in New York. "Doherty Breads has demonstrated a strong commitment to establishing Panera Bread as a leader in their market," said Mike Kupstas, Senior Vice President and Chief Franchise Officer at Panera Bread. "By implementing the highest standards and levels of execution and operations, they have demonstrated their ability to succeed in the marketplace. We are excited to pursue new opportunities with this new agreement."

Doherty Breads, LLC has an existing agreement with Panera Bread to open a total of 20 bakery-cafes in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Ed Doherty, owner of Doherty Breads, will open 11 additional bakery-cafes in Queens County under the conditions of the new agreement.

"We are excited to expand our development opportunity into Queens," said Doherty. "We have enjoyed great success in Long Island and look forward to bringing the quality of Panera's menu offerings and the inviting environment to Queens."

Doherty has more than 20 years of experience as a multi-unit franchisee of Applebee's and Chevy's. Doherty Breads, LLC signed its initial agreement with Panera Bread in 2001.

Panera Bread owns and franchises bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. names. The company is the leader in the emerging specialty bread/cafe category due to its unique bread combined with a quick, casual dining experience. As released in the August 9, 2005 earnings statement, Panera Bread operates 795 bakery-cafes (255 company-owned and 540 franchised). Additional information is available on the company's website, http://www.panerabread.com .

SOURCE Panera Bread Mark Crowley of Panera Bread, +1-314-256-5405