Panera Bread announces development deals

Panera Bread Company has signed three development agreements that will yield 43 new bakery-cafes in 5 states.

The franchisees, Lee Howley, John Sapp, and Barry Thalden will each open 20, 13, and 10 Paneras, respectively, with the first store scheduled to open in Cranston, RI, in the fourth quarter this year by Howley.

Howley's territories include Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut. Sapp, a Taco Bell franchisee for 10 years, will open units in Phoenix, Prescott and Flagstaff, AZ. Thalden will operate stores in Clark County, Nevada, including Las Vegas.

Edited by Bill McDowell
Managing Editor, Foodservice Central