The fourth quarter resulted in many newly opened licensed locations for Einstein Bros. Bagels, the company announced.

Building on the record growth it experienced in 2009, the bakery chain has already planted the seeds for another record year in 2010.

“License expansion is key to achieving our vision of becoming the fastest-growing fast-casual chain in North America,” says Jeff O’Neill, CEO of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. “When dining management groups decide which brands they want in their facilities, they know that we are a leader in offering quality, freshness, and convenience where portability and affordability are essential.”

Through the fourth quarter of this year, Einstein Bros. Bagels has opened 31 licensed locations in a variety of venues, including universities, healthcare facilities, military bases, and corporate headquarters. In 2010, the company plans to exceed its 2009 openings for another record year.

“The success of the Einstein Bros. brand in the license channel traces to our ability to deliver the quality and freshness of a bakery/café with the speed of a [quick serve],” says O’Neill. “We are known best for our famous bagels and breakfast sandwiches, five different flavors of Darn Good Coffee, flavorful cream cheese shmears, and trendy lunchtime sandwiches.”

Nine new licensed stores opened in the fourth quarter of 2009. The locations include: Eisenhower Medical Center–Lucy Curci Center in Rancho Mirage, California; Eisenhower Medical Center in La Quinta, California; Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri; AT&T headquarters in Dallas; Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas; and California State University–East Bay.

At the end of 2009, the company had more than 180 licensed Einstein Bros. locations across the U.S., along with 500-plus corporate and franchised stores across its three brands.