From: Covelli Enterprises, LLC
Panera Bread Franchisee
Contact: Allen Ryan (330) 856-3176 ext. 259
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COVELLI ENTERPRISES PURCHASES 19 PANERA BREAD BAKERY
CAFES IN COLUMBUS OHIO
Plans aggressive expansion in Columbus market
Warren Ohio- Covelli Enterprises, the nation’s largest franchisee of Panera
Bread with over 160 bakery-cafes in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia
and Florida, announces the purchase of 19 Panera Bread restaurants in the
Columbus, Ohio area.
The agreement, which officially takes effect on December 21, 2010, gives Covelli
the right to build additional cafes in Columbus and the five county areas
surrounding the city. Covelli has plans to add multiple bakery cafes to the area in
the near future.
“Covelli Enterprises are valued members of the Panera family and are committed
to delivering an excellent experience to our customers," said Mike Kupstas,
Panera Bread SVP and Chief Franchise Officer. "It's wonderful that the Covelli
group will be able to bring their talents to new communities and we look forward
to working with them as they share the Panera experience with local
neighborhoods and further develop the Columbus market."
“We are extremely excited about our expansion into the Columbus Market, and
are looking forward to providing to the people of Columbus the exceptional
customer service that we are known for in our other markets.” said Sam Covelli,
President and CEO of Covelli Enterprises. “We also believe strongly in giving
back to the communities that we do business in, and will be extremely involved
with the charitable causes that are important to the people of Columbus.” Covelli
concluded.
Headquartered in Warren, Ohio, Covelli Enterprises is currently the eighth largest
franchisees of restaurants in the country, with gross sales of close to 350 million
dollars. The company will now have over 20,000 employees. Covelli continually
wins awards for exceptional service, cleanliness, customer service and
expansive growth of their locations. Year after year, Covelli is honored with “Best
of Awards” in all of the communities that the restaurants are located.
Panera Bread was recently ranked in the 2010 list of top 100 fastest growing
companies by Forbes Magazine. Additionally, Panera Bread was named ‘Most
Popular' large restaurant chain in the 2010 Zagat Fast Food Survey.
About Panera Bread:
Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,399 bakery-cafes as of June 29,
2010 under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery &
Café® names. Our bakery-cafes are principally located in suburban, strip mall
and regional mall locations. We feature high quality, reasonably priced food in a
warm, inviting, and comfortable environment. With our identity rooted in
handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great
tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a
menu highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, and select
organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per
serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide
variety of year-round favorites complemented by new items introduced
seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In
neighborhoods across this country and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy
our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas,
relaxing decor, and free internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate
bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional
information is available on the Company’s website, http://www.panerabread.com.