Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Hurts Donut Company Franchise Comparison

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.

Who is Hurts Donut?! How did it get started?! Well, the running joke is that Tim said it would be cheaper to open a donut shop than support my donut addiction! November 17th 2013, THE DAY BEFORE WE OPENED, we made our very first donut! The VERY FIRST donut either of us had ever made and it was just twelve hours before we opened our doors to the public... (that's not a typo!) We learned how to make donuts on YOUTUBE, bought all of our equipment on Craigslist and didn't even know if any of it would turn on. (Irresponsible? Maybe... Crazy passionate, motivated and fearless attitude!! DEFINITELY!!)We had less than $7 left in our bank account when we opened the doors to the public, and now there are 16 stores in the US! (The best part is, we are just getting started!!)In 2016 and 2017 we won an award that makes me exceptionally emotional... Hurts Donut received the Economic Impact of the year award for 1-5 years in business. WE SHARED THE STAGE WITH BASS PRO AND PRIME TRUCKING!!! (Are you serious?!) Prime did 1.8 BILLION dollars in revenue last year. And our little donut shop, less than 4 years old, was honored on the SAME STAGE as the most incredible businesses in Springfield. Their stories inspirational beyond measure. How could we possibly be in such good company?! Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think we would be where we are today.I'm so astronomically in love and thankful for my husband who is intelligent, business minded, hard working and selfless. Tim attributes our growth to his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, it was the start of our model for giving back to those in need. We truly, truly, believe that you get what you GIVE. So we promised ourselves whenever we get, we give!! I remember feeling misplaced years before this, my heart was built for giving and I could never give enough. This business has given us so much purpose and your support gives us the means to give back to the community in an unimaginable way. We have been able to share our blessings and help so many people in need. Franchising was absolutely terrifying to me. I'm so passionate about my business and I couldn't imagine anyone loving Hurts Donut the way I do!!  Our franchises have brought amazing people close in my life!! It is the best thing, being able to call someone every day that can truly relate and understand my immense JOYS. They have by far exceeded our expectations and I am BEYOND proud of the hard work and success our franchisees have brought to our name!! I know every one of us will continue to pray and dream and work ourselves NUMB!! I owe the most colossal thank you to our outstanding employees, whose personalities are as colorful as the donuts in our case! Our over-willing managers and trainers who are so extremely talented and hard working! There's definitely a sense of family. Shout out to two very special employees, Misty and Ian who have been employed with us from day one and are still going strong today!! We started with SIX employees the day Hurts OG opened in Springfield!! Our Tulsa store sold 24,000 donuts opening day and had 112 employees the day they opened if that gives you an idea of how far we have come!!!