June 25, 2009 // Franchising.com // Atlanta Bread is awarded a spot in Parents magazine's first-ever 10 Best Fast-Casual Family Restaurants survey. The recently updated restaurants not only provide family-sized tables, plus booths, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere for families, there are menu options, discounts, and events all geared towards parents and children. Jerry Couvaras, Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Bread explains, "We want our customers to think of Atlanta Bread as their third home; a hip, comfortable place that they can rely on for fresh, quality food throughout the day. It's important that we have options that appeal to all family members. Some of the biggest restaurant critics are young customers, so we make it our goal to please children as well as adults."
Children under 12 years old have their choice of Peanut Butter & Jelly on French bread, Grilled Cheese on French bread, or any half sandwich from the menu, along with mandarin oranges. Children can also order a Cheese Pizza or Penne & Cheese at locations with the expanded menu offerings. All children's dishes include a kids-sized fountain drink or 1% milk and a cookie. Each recipe is designed to be delicious and nutritious for children.
Kid's meals come with an Activity Book, which features countries from around the world and fun facts about that country along with games. Many Atlanta Bread locations host a Family Night where children eat for free or at a discount (specific evening varies by location). Face-painters, magicians, clowns, and live entertainment are commonplace at Atlanta Bread locations on Family Night.
Along with this recognition, Atlanta Bread was also identified earlier this month as one of the Top Facilities among large chain restaurants by Zagat based on the quality of seating and point-of-sales area. Atlanta Bread has been refreshing the restaurants in the system with the goal of updating all locations within the next two years. Additionally, Health magazine named Atlanta Bread as one of the Top 10 Healthiest Fast-Food Restaurants.
The results of the 10 Best Fast-Casual Family Restaurants survey are the culmination of a two-month study which examined 50 restaurant chains nationwide. Each restaurant answered a 25-question survey and submitted nutritional information for all of the items on their kids' menus. Parents then examined the calories, fat and sodium in each dish on the menu. Healthfulness and range of choices on the kids' menu made up 70% of each restaurant's score. The survey, which made up the remaining 30% of each restaurant's overall ranking, included questions about family conveniences, value promotions, and kid-friendly features. The results will run in the July edition of Parents.
Atlanta Bread is a privately-held, fast-casual restaurant concept. The bakery cafes recently underwent a complete rebranding of its menu, location, and positioning. Named a Top Facility in the 2009 Fast-Food Survey by Zagat, Atlanta Bread has an inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to make Atlanta Bread their third home. The company flavors its customers' days from early morning through the evening with its continuous service model. Breakfast includes freshly-made items such as bagels, pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches. For lunch and dinner the bakery cafés offer a variety of options including hot soups and unique sandwiches and salads. Gourmet coffees and fresh-baked goods are served throughout the day. Atlanta Bread is recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Fast-Casual Family Restaurants by Parents magazine and as one of the Top 10 Healthiest Fast-Food Restaurants by Health magazine. Atlanta Bread currently has more than 105 locations spanning 23 states.
In 1993, Atlanta Bread began as a small sandwich cafe in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia.