Bruegger’s Enterprises, Inc. yesterday announced that it has signed new agreements with two new franchise groups to develop six Bruegger’s bakery-cafés in two new markets over the next three years.
Under the new development agreements, three bakery-cafés will be developed in Knoxville, Tennessee with an additional three bakery-cafés in Southeastern Wisconsin. The first units will open in Southeastern Wisconsin by year-end 2005.
Irish Luck Ventures, led by principal Christine Taylor, plans to launch three new Bruegger’s bakery-cafés in the Knoxville, Tennessee area over the next three years. Site selection is still underway for the first unit, which is planned to open in early 2006.
SRS Leadership Inc. of Southeastern Wisconsin is led by principals Scott Schedler and Dionne Schedler, a husband and wife team. Schedler also served as a market director for Bruegger’s before he decided to become a franchisee. The first two units scheduled to open before the end of 2005 in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and West Allis, Wisconsin. Bruegger’s will retain ownership of the three bakery-cafés it currently owns in Milwaukee and Madison.
“Expanding into Knoxville is a logical step for continuing our growth in the southeast,” said Bruegger’s CEO James Greco. “Christine’s first hand knowledge of the Knoxville region and the enthusiasm that she brings to the table will make her a valuable asset to our franchise team. She will play an integral part in expanding the Bruegger’s experience.”
“Bruegger’s produces an extremely high quality product which is what drew me to become a franchisee,” said Taylor. “The market is wide open in Knoxville, which is growing and experiencing an influx of people from other parts of the country. Bruegger’s has great brand recognition in Nashville and our neighboring state North Carolina. The timing for developing this market is perfect.”
SRS Leadership principal Scott Schedler also added that strong potential for growth in the Southeastern Wisconsin region is what secured his interest to become a franchisee. “Bruegger’s is an established leader in the Wisconsin market and there is a presence here that can be built upon,” said Schedler. “I have an understanding and a passion for the Bruegger’s product and look forward to continuing building the brand in this region.”
Since January 2005, Bruegger’s has signed development agreements with five new franchise groups to develop bakery-cafes in additional markets such as Huntsville, Alabama; the Triad region of North Carolina and the Southwestern Wisconsin region.
Bruegger’s recently completed a relaunch of its brand with newly designed bakeries and an expanded menu offering guests more dining options. Based on its market analysis, Bruegger’s has developed a three-year growth plan that forecasts development of approximately 100 new Bruegger’s bakeries between 2005 and year-end 2007, consisting of approximately 15 new company-owned locations and approximately 85 new franchised locations. Bruegger’s is currently seeking qualified franchise partners in select U.S. markets.
