Panera Bread to expand in California

02/06/05 Panera Bread has announced a franchise agreement with Pangenera, LLC for expansion in California. The group plans to develop 15 bakery-cafes in San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties by 2010. The first bakery-cafe in the area will open in Gilroy, California.

Pangenera's Jeff Burrill brings significant experience in the quick casual dining segment to Panera Bread. In his five years as an award-winning franchisee with Baja Fresh, Burrill's group was rated one of the top operators. The group exceeded their development commitment by building nine restaurants in a four-year period.