Bruegger's Looks to Expand in Arizona

Unique Bakery-Cafes Planned in Phoenix

(BURLINGTON, Vt.) – Bruegger’s, known in the restaurant industry as an innovator in the fast casual segment, has set its eye and appetite on the bustling suburbs of Phoenix, Ariz. to open bakeries later this year. The franchisee, Top Bun Management, hope to create more than 30 – 50 jobs for the community with its developments.

Rick Cowley, head of Top Bun Management, has ample food service experience in the Arizona market as a successful Burger King franchisee since the early 1990s. Since signing with Bruegger’s in January 2007, he saw a need for the local bakery-café segment high-quality offerings. He plans to create a balance between the need for fast-casual selections in the city and a growing desire for healthy, tasty options that are the mainstay at Bruegger’s.

“The cozy environment, quality made-to-order products and a hometown feeling I got when I walked into a Bruegger’s made me realize these bakeries would provide the Phoenix market with something different in fast-casual dining,” said the entrepreneur of his desire to diversify beyond the burger segment where he has made a name for himself locally. “There is a great opportunity to make a lasting impression on local eating habits and food quality with Bruegger’s.”

Cowley grew up in franchising while his father was one of the original Shakey’s pizza franchisees in Southern California. He and his father eventually owned 13 different locations in Southern California and San Diego. Rick later became a franchisee with El Pollo Loco and now Burger King restaurants. Cowley has been a Burger King franchisee since the early 90s and understands the importance of a quality guest experience, which is what primarily attracted him to build with Bruegger’s in the Arizona suburbs.

“When I decided to branch out, I considered many industry segments, but I kept coming back to what the people of Phoenix and surrounding areas look for in a casual dining experience – a local bakery in touch with the community with fresh made-to-order sandwiches, soups and salads,” continued Cowley.

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Chris Cheek, vice president of franchise development for Bruegger’s said, “This is a great partnership with Top Bun Management to develop Bruegger’s bakeries in Arizona. Rick’s commitment and leadership in the industry directly reflect Bruegger’s expectations to provide a memorable experience in our bakeries for all our guests.”

Bruegger’s, currently in its 25th year, and franchising for 15, has been awarded for the service and appeal in the industry that attracted Cowley, including:

Number 1 in Category 2006 and 2007, Entrepreneur Franchise 500
Top 50 Award 2006, Franchise Business News
Number 28 2006, Fast Casual Top 100
Best in Drive-Thru 2006, QSR
13 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth

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<