Panera Bread Announces Plans for Growth in Arkansas

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panera Bread today announced a new agreement with Oklahoma City Bakery, Inc. to develop bakery-cafes in the Little Rock area. Under the conditions of the new agreement, the Franchisee will open four bakery-cafes.

Oklahoma City Bakery, Inc. is owned by Jim and Gaynell Magers, who currently operate 27 Panera Bread(R) locations in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas under the names Oklahoma City Bakery and Traditional Bakery. They opened their first bakery-cafe in 1993, which was Panera Bread's first ever franchise-owned location.

"We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Jim, Gaynell and their entire organization," said Mike Kupstas, Panera Bread Senior Vice President and Chief Franchise Officer. "They are valued members of the Panera team, and it's wonderful to see their business expand into new markets."

"We are excited about our expansion into the Little Rock area," said Jim Magers. "We have enjoyed tremendous success in our current markets and look forward to the opportunity to broaden our reach and bring Panera to even more communities."

With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites to compliment new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor and free WiFi Internet access. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need.

Panera Bread serves fresh baked, handcrafted artisan breads, sweet and savory baked goods, hand-tossed salads, wholesome soups, and signature sandwiches in a distinctly warm and welcoming environment. Panera Bread is committed to using great tasting, quality ingredients in the food we offer and contributing to the neighborhoods in which our customers and employees live and work through programs like Operation Dough-Nation(R). Headquartered in Richmond Heights, MO, Panera Bread owns and franchises 1,167 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread(R) and Saint Louis Bread Co.(R) names as of December 25, 2007. For more information, visit panerabread.com.

Panera Bread

CONTACT: Andrew Carlson of Panera Bread, +1-314-633-4250

Web site: http://www.panerabread.com/
http://www.saintlouisbreadco.com/