Panera Bread
today announced new agreements with Breads of the World, LLC to
develop additional bakery-cafes in both the Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio,
markets. Breads of the World currently operates more than 40 Panera locations
in the region.

Breads of the World is owned and operated by Ken Rosenthal, Jeff Rains and
Doron Berger — all of whom share considerable experience in the restaurant
industry. In 1987 Rosenthal opened the first Saint Louis Bread Co. location
(later renamed nationally as Panera Bread) in Kirkwood, MO — growing the
chain to more than 20 locations before selling the company in 1993. Rosenthal
used the money from the sale to found Breads of the World, one of Panera
Bread’s largest franchisees.

“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ken, Jeff and Doron,”
said Ron Shaich, Panera Bread Chairman and CEO. “It is wonderful to see how
their team’s business has grown and the penetration they have attained in
Columbus and Cincinnati. What amazes me is Ken’s business today is three
times larger than it was when he sold the company to us.”

Under the conditions of the new agreements, Breads of the World will open
14 additional bakery-cafes in the Cincinnati market and 10 additional bakery-
cafes in the Columbus market.

“We are excited about our continued expansion in Columbus and Cincinnati,”
said Rosenthal. “We have enjoyed tremendous success in both markets and look
forward to the opportunity to expand our reach and bring Panera to even more
customers in the area.”

In addition to their locations in the Columbus and Cincinnati regions,
Breads of the World currently operates Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Colorado.