Bruegger's Enters Manhattan Market with 20-Bakery Development Deal

By: Bruegger's Bagels | 0 Shares 106 Reads

August 14, 2008 // Franchising.com // - (BURLINGTON, Vt.) – Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc. announced a new development agreement with Hart Street, LLC. to open 20 bakeries in Manhattan beginning in late 2008. Business partners Ghias Bhuiyan, 37, and Sami Kabir, 39, plan to roll out the bakeries over a seven-year period, focusing on the city's heaviest foot traffic areas and in direct competition with Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.

"We have an aggressive growth philosophy," said Bhuiyan. "The bakery-café space is prime for significant expansion. Consumers are looking for quality food, served fast, at a great value. Bruegger's delivers on all fronts."

In 2004, Bhuiyan and Kabir began building a number of successful mortgage and real estate businesses. When the economy slowed in 2007, they looked for ways to diversify their income stream. After researching a number of franchise opportunities, Bruegger's 17 consecutive quarters of increased sales and reputation for great food appealed to the partners who both worked in a Manhattan-area bakery as college students.

"We know every corner and every avenue in this city," said Kabir. "Our business background and our first-hand knowledge of this highly-competitive market give us an edge. With 20 bakeries, our customers won't have to travel far to get freshly baked, authentic bagels and other wholesome menu choices throughout the day."

"Bruegger's entry into the Manhattan market marks a major milestone for the company," Bruegger's CEO Jim Greco said. "Our roots are in the state of New York and this deal with Hart Street brings us full circle. We believe Ghias and Sami's solid track record in this market is the formula for success as we embark upon this significant expansion and commitment to New York City."

Bruegger's kettle-boils and bakes bagels every day, throughout the day, to give the bagels an authentic crunchy crust on the outside and a dense, chewy texture on the inside. In addition to fresh, hot bagels, Bruegger's offers an extensive menu that includes fresh-tossed salads, made-to-order sandwiches and unique coffee blends, including a daily Fair Trade CertifiedTM blend.

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 280 neighborhood bakery-cafes in 22 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. 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.

###