Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs THE bagel BAR Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs THE bagel BAR including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$1,010,985 - $2,252,846 | $240,000 - $320,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$35,000 | $32,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | 5% |
Advertising Fee |
- | 2% |
Year Founded |
1987 | 2002 |
Year Franchised |
1993 | 2002 |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
- | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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
| - |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/No | -/- |
Start-up Costs |
No/No | -/- |
Equipment |
No/No | -/- |
Inventory |
No/No | -/- |
Receivables |
No/No | -/- |
Payroll |
No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | - |
Support |
Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | - |
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, 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) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | - |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
No | - |
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 THE bagel BAR
The Bagel Bar franchise is a wholly owned Irish company which operates company owned and franchised stores.
To ensure the highest quality product, The Bagel Bar operates an import and distribution company to supply authentic kosher bagels from the foremost bagel producer in England and have subsequently secured exclusive rights to supply the Irish market.
We are now one of the largest importers and distributors of bagels in Ireland and currently supply 40% of the coffee houses/cafe's and many hotels around the Dublin area.
The Bagel Bar has the largest selection / range of flavoured bagels in the Republic of Ireland (24 flavours in total).
The basic concept of The Bagel Bar is to offer a more sophisticated coffee/sandwich alternative, where people can enjoy excellent quality food in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. We pride ourselves on our customer service and have built a reputation as an eatery that offers a varied menu with excellent standards.
Lately our work in developing the business has been recognized by The Irish Franchise Association, winning "Franchise Person of the Year" (Ray Cowzer) in 2004 followed by "Best Emerging Franchise" in 2005.
Our International development and growth includes Master Franchise Brand Partners in the following countries and/or regions;
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Azerbaijan
- Ireland
We are currently in negotiation to further expand the brand in the following countries and/or regions;
- Egypt
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Iraq
- Iran
- Jordan
- Oman
- Yemen
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Kazakhstan
- Armenia
- India
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- USA (Orange County, Dallas �" Texas)
- Australia
- Mauritius
We continue to grow and evolve the brand incorporating our signature
range of products and some local and cultural recipes in our new and
additional products. Our global commitment is to work with and invest in
brand partners of the highest quality and caliber, which will enable
the brand to continue and maintain our high levels of quality products
and customer service.