Bruegger's Celebrates 25th Anniversary and the 'Americanization' of the Bagel

BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc., a national bakery-cafe chain with 269 locations in 21 states, turns 25 in February 2008. The company started in 1983 in Troy, NY, where original founders Nord Brue and Mike Dressell opened their first location. Today, Bruegger's is an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and a leader in the bakery-cafe category.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080130/NYW074 )

"Bruegger's truly Americanized the bagel which 25 years ago they could only be found in the northeast. We brought the concept to the heartland and expanded from there," said Bruegger's Chief Executive Officer James J. Greco. Our famous, hot-from-the-oven bagels will always be our signature product, but today we also offer a variety of delicious, healthful sandwiches, soups and salad choices for our guests. We have been passionate about creating a truly memorable experience."

During the anniversary celebration, many Bruegger's bakeries nationwide will be offering its signature bagels with cream cheese for 99 cents from opening to 9 a.m. on February 1st. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a free piece of birthday cake that day. Please check local bakeries for participation and details. New York bakery cafes will celebrate on February 4 with bagels and cream cheese for 99 cents from opening until 11 a.m.

Financial success continues for 15 quarters

Bruegger's 2007 fourth quarter marked 15 consecutive quarters of sales growth. For the 2007 fiscal year, same store sales increased 3.1 percent for the company and 2.5 percent for the system.

Bruegger's gross sales reached $178 million system wide in 2007 compared with $164 million system wide for 2006. This year, growth plans call for the addition of 40 bakeries in both existing and new markets throughout the U.S.

New Flavors and Choices

Although the bagel takes center stage, it has many top performers backing it up. The Bruegger's menu features a variety of delicious breakfast sandwiches, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters coffee, snacks and lunch selections. In 2003, when Greco joined the company, he implemented a turnaround plan which included expanding the menu and redesigning the bakeries to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. New additions to the menu have included new sandwiches, breads, wraps, Ciabatta, whole wheat bagels, tossed-for-you salads, Signature Soups, a bagel bowl and a new spinach and cheddar omelet sandwich.

"We are constantly looking at ways to improve our guests' experience," added Greco. "For example, our soups were a year-in-the-making and the guest surveys and testing really paid off. Soup sales have climbed 50 percent."

Other company milestones throughout the 25 years include: -- 2007 - Artificial trans fats are eliminated from the menu -- 2006 - Bruegger's bakes the world's largest bagel, an official Guinness record, weighing in at 868 pounds -- 2004 - Green Bagels join the Bruegger's menu nationwide for annual St. Patrick's Day fundraiser -- 2003 - Bruegger's is purchased by Sun Capital and James J. Greco who is named CEO -- 2002 - The Softwich, a softer, square bagel is created -- 1995 - Herby Turkey sandwich is born and remains Bruegger's most popular sandwich today

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 269 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(TM). 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.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080130/NYW074
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc.

CONTACT: Danielle Swift, Mason Onofrio Public Relations, +1-203-393-1101
ext. 162, dswift@mason23.com , for Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc.

Web site: http://www.brueggers.com/