Mega Operator Becomes Franchisor By Acquiring Au Bon Pain

Multi-brand operator Ampex Brands LLC, has joined the ranks of franchisors following its purchase of Au Bon Pain from ABP Corporation, a Panera bread subsidiary. The 16-year-old Ampex Brands operates more than 400 QSR and fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, including Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s, and 7-Eleven stores.

Terms of the sale call for Ampex Brands to get all 171 Au Bon Pain locations and the franchising rights to another 131 locations. The deal is expected to increase the company’s annual revenue by 10%.

“We see a solid future for both Au Bon Pain and our broader portfolio,” said Ampex CEO Tabbassum Mumtaz. “Our QSR brands performed extraordinarily well throughout the pandemic as guests moved to drive-thru. That performance allowed us to diversify and jump on a great opportunity to reposition a legacy brand. The bakery café category will rebound, and Au Bon Pain is well-positioned to grow.”

Ampex plans to ramp up Au Bon Pain’s existing cafes in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic areas before kicking off expansion efforts with corporate-owned locations.