Panera Bread Announces Plans for Growth in Tennessee and Mississippi

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panera Bread today announced a new agreement with Delta Dough, Inc to develop bakery-cafes in the Memphis area, including areas of northern Mississippi. Under the conditions of the new agreement, the franchisee will open 12 bakery-cafes.

Delta Dough, Inc is owned by Rick and Rosemary Postle, who currently operate 8 Panera Bread locations in Virginia under the name Blue Ridge Bread, Inc. They became Panera franchisees in 2004, while Rick has contributed to the company since 1995.

"We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Rick, Rosemary and the entire Postle family," said Ron Shaich, Panera Bread Chairman and CEO. "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 Memphis area," said Rick Postle. "We have enjoyed tremendous success in Virginia and look forward to the opportunity to broaden our reach and bring Panera to even more communities."

Since the company's founding in 1987, the Panera Bread franchise community has been instrumental to the company's growth as an industry leader.

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 1,115 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread(R) and Saint Louis Bread Co.(R) names as of September 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//