Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Arizona Bread Company Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Arizona Bread Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
Arizona Bread Company Franchise
Investment $1,010,985 - $2,252,846$149,000 - $341,500
Franchise Fee $35,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19871994
Year Franchised 19932002
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee -1/2 of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
Arizona Bread Company Franchise
Experience

*Experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator *Recognition as a top restaurant operator *Net worth of $7.5 million *Liquid assets of $3 million *Infrastructure and resources to meet our development schedule *Real estate experience in the market to be developed *Total commitment to the development of the Panera Bread brand *Cultural fit and a passion for fresh bread


  • Management skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
    Arizona Bread Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
    Arizona Bread Company Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 60

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 13 - 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
    Arizona Bread Company Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company

    After more than 17 years in the retail industry, Ken Rosenthal changed gears and founded Saint Louis Bread Co. in 1987. His goal was to create a neighborhood bakery where people could pick up fresh-baked bread, meals and snacks. In 1993, Rosenthal sold Saint Louis Bread to Au Bon Pain Co. Six years later, the company was renamed Panera Bread. The future growth of Panera Bread will be based upon company bakery-cafe development as well as the continued sale of franchise area development agreements. Panera Bread does not sell single-unit franchises, so it is not possible to open just one bakery-cafe. Rather, we have chosen to develop by selling market areas which require the franchise developer to open a number of units, typically 15 bakery-cafes in a period of 6 years. Panera Bread franchises must be well-capitalized to open great bakery-cafes and meet this aggressive development schedule. Additionally, they must have a proven track record as excellent multi-unit restaurant operators to operate great Panera Bread bakery-cafes.

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    About Arizona Bread Company


    The Arizona Bread Company began in 1994 and immediately established itself as the premier bakery/cafe in Scottsdale Arizona.

    We are a fast casual artisan bakery offering breads, made from scratch soups, gourmet sandwiches and desserts in an engaging environment and featuring award-winning food. Arizona Bread Company uses only the freshest ingredients using no preservatives, additives, bases or conditioners. Every sandwich is prepared to order so it is served at its freshest. We have evolved into a rather unique niche offering alternatives to traditional fast food concepts.

    Arizona Bread has consistently been recognized as the premier purveyor of quality breads in the Metro Phoenix Area since 1994 as evidenced by our numerous awards and customer loyalty base.

    The Arizona Bread Company produces natural breads and does not use any additives, bases, conditioners or preservatives as many bakeries do. Many of our bread products contain zero fat.