Bruegger's

ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL: Bruegger’s returns to Central Florida

by Anjali Fluker

A Central Florida businessman opened a Bruegger’s Bakery Cafe in Altamonte Springs.

Kirk Bock, who opened the 2,400-square-foot, 49-seat location on East Altamonte Drive earlier this month, has a franchise development agreement for five units in the Orlando area, said Jim Greco, chief executive officer of Bruegger’s Enterprises Inc.

Bruegger’s, which left the Orlando market about 10 years ago, returns with a local franchisee handling the area, Greco said. The franchise group that previously had development rights for the Orlando area about a decade ago was from out of state, he said.

“We’re glad to be back, especially with someone who has local ties,” Greco said.

Bock has yet to sign leases for the other locations, but is seeking out potential areas, Greco said.

Burlington, Vt.-based Bruegger’s Enterprises, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc., has 283 neighborhood bakery-cafes in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI) sold Smokey Bones to an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners in December 2007.