STAR-TELEGRAM: Bagel chain may return

Sept. 16, 2009

Bruegger's exited the Dallas-Fort Worth market a decade ago, but it may be coming back.

Bruegger’s exited the Dallas-Fort Worth market a decade ago, but it may be coming back.

The Burlington, Vt.-based chain of bagel bakeries is scouting franchisees to begin opening shops next year, said Chris Cheek, Bruegger’s vice president of franchise development. Fort Worth once had two locations.

In addition to Dallas-Fort Worth, target markets are Austin and Seattle, he said.

Bruegger’s has had four owners in its 26 years. In 2003, it was acquired by Sun Capital Partners, which wants to award franchise rights in this area, Cheek said. Bruegger’s has more than 280 locations in 23 states.

Bruegger’s is credited with taking the authentic New York bagel nationwide, Cheek said. It’s the only bakery chain that still boils its dough before it’s baked, he said.

Its core business is the bagel, but the chain has expanded its menu to be competitive with the likes of Corner Bakery, Panera and Einstein Bagels, he said.

"The Bruegger’s that’s coming back to this market is still the authentic bagel, but with a lot more choices," Cheek said.

Plans are to have as many as 35 stores in the Metroplex, he said.