Bruegger's Looks to Franchise in Atlanta

One of the pioneers in bakery-café segment recruits franchisees for Atlanta

(BURLINGTON, Vt.) – Since implementing an aggressive branding and menu renovation in 2004 resulting in 13 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth in its bakeries, Bruegger’s has been actively investigating areas of growth to offer its proven model of franchising. The pioneer of the retail bagel category, and growing leader in the bakery-cafe segment, looks to grow a presence in Atlanta.

“DeKalb and Fulton counties have other bakery-café brands, but nothing as comprehensive as Bruegger’s,” says Vice President of Franchise Development Chris Cheek. “Bruegger’s has been operating bakeries in the southeast for more than 21 years. The brand acceptance of guests in this region continues to drive excellent bakery sales growth and attracts qualified franchisees.”

Bruegger’s, famous for the authentic boiled and baked bagel, also has a working partnership with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters’ Fair Trade Coffee, which was just named one of the top 20 sustainable stocks in the world by Sustainable.com.

Headquartered in Vermont, Bruegger’s is known for affordable start-up costs among the lowest in the bakery-café segment. Start-up costs for qualified franchisees range from $318,000 to $559,000, which includes construction and equipment costs, as well as traditional soft costs associated with the start-up phase of new bakeries.

The company has also been recognized as a smart investment for franchisees. Bruegger’s has been featured in top trade publications and has earned many industry accolades such as:

2007 #1 in Category, Entrepreneur Franchise 500
2006 Top 50 Award, Franchise Business Review
2006 #28, Fast Casual Top 100
2006 NRA Good Neighbor Award
2006 Best in Drive Thru, QSR
2006 Top 10 under 300, QSR

Page 2 – Bruegger’s opens franchising in the Peach State

“We have a brand name that is recognized more than 90 percent of the time for quality, variety and freshness. Bruegger’s guests seek quality and freshness in a unique environment. There is plenty of opportunity to develop bakeries like that in Atlanta,” Cheek noted. “We know once franchise owners learn about the kind of company Bruegger’s is, its dedication to the community and the potential return on investment our stores provide, we will look to open in many other cities throughout the state.”

Bruegger’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary and its 15th year in franchising next year. Throughout their tenure in the bakery-café segment, Bruegger’s concept has expanded beyond authentic bagels with bakers now lending their expertise to crafting a variety of other stone-hearth baked breads, such as the exclusive Softwich – a softer, square bagel ideal for sandwiches – to specialty cream cheeses, ‘tossed for you’ custom salads, signature soups and Fair Trade Coffee.

For more information about Bruegger’s franchise opportunities, visit online at www.brueggers.com/franchising or contact Chris Cheek toll free at (866) 660-4104.

About Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc.
Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., is a leader in the quick, casual restaurant segment. Bruegger's and its GUEST-focused team are dedicated to serving delicious, healthy food that brings guests back again and again. In approximately 260 neighborhood bakery-cafes in 21 states, Bruegger's offers a warm, comfortable setting for guests to enjoy a wholesome meal with family and friends. Famous for authentic boiled and baked bagels, Bruegger's bakers lend their expertise to crafting a variety of other stone-hearth baked breads, such as Ciabatta and the exclusive Softwich. Guests can count on innovative menu items, including fresh-made salads, whole wheat wraps, hearty soups, specialty and deli-made sandwiches, desserts, unique Fair Trade coffee blends and original cream cheese flavors. Founded in 1983, Bruegger's is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont and supports its neighbors in every community it serves. For more information, please visit www.brueggers.com

Bruegger's
Shawn Paul Wood or Allison Yeaman
(469) 227-3260
shawn@spmcommunications.com
shawn@spmcommunications.com<