Panera Inks New Franchise Deal For California

(Tuesday, June 12, 2007) - Panera Bread Co. said Monday that it formed an agreement with a new, four-member franchise group to develop 12 bakery-cafes in northern Orange County in California.

The new franchise group includes Dennis and Shane Hitzeman, Tom McDonald and David Babbush.
Dennis Hitzeman and McDonald are currently partners in an organization that owns and operates more than 50 Burger King locations in the Atlanta, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Dallas markets, according to a release.

Shane Hitzeman will serve as the group's co-owner and managing partner. Babbush will serve as the group's operating partner. In addition, Panera said the group bought the Panera bakery-cafe in Fullerton, Calif., from the firm.

St. Louis-based Panera Bread Co. (Nasdaq: PNRA) owns and franchises bakery-cafes under the St. Louis Bread Co. and Panera Bread names.

View all Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Co. Press Releases

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