Bruegger's

DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL: Bruegger's cafe expanding in D-FW, Austin

Watch out Einstein Bros., Bruegger’s is coming to town.

The 26-year-old bagel bakery and cafe is targeting four major metropolitan areas for expansion in 2010, including Austin, Portland, Seattle and Dallas-Fort Worth.

“These markets have economies that haven’t been impacted as much by the recession,” says Chris Cheek, vice president of franchise development, who believes North Texas can support 30-35 franchises. “There’s never been a better time in the last 10 years to look for real estate.”

Vermont-based Bruegger's has more than 300 locations, 30 of which have opened in the past 18 months. The chain's biggest competition in North Texas will be Einstein Bros. Bagels, which has a similar concept, and Corner Bakery.

Most of Bruegger’s stores occupy leased space, between 2,000 square feet and 2,500 square feet. There are also nontraditional locations, including shops in airports, universities and medical facilities.

The cost to open a franchise is $350,000 to $500,000, which includes a $30,000 franchise fee.