Panera Bread announced Thursday a new agreement with Doherty Breads, LLC to develop bakery-cafes in the Queens County region of New York. Doherty currently operates Panera locations in Suffolk and Nassau counties in New York.
“Doherty Breads has demonstrated a strong commitment to establishing Panera Bread as a leader in their market,” says Mike Kupstas, senior vice president and chief franchise officer at Panera Bread. “By implementing the highest standards and levels of execution and operations, they have demonstrated their ability to succeed in the marketplace.”
Doherty Breads, LLC has an existing agreement with Panera Bread to open a total of 20 bakery-cafes in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Ed Doherty, owner of Doherty Breads, will open 11 additional bakery-cafes in Queens County under the conditions of the new agreement.
“We have enjoyed great success in Long Island and look forward to bringing the quality of Panera’s menu offerings and the inviting environment to Queens,” says Doherty. The company signed its initial agreement with Panera Bread in 2001.