Panera Bread Announces Plans For Continued Growth In Texas

Panera Bread (PNRA) today announced a new agreement with John and Randal Oudt and Bob Stewart to develop bakery-cafes in the San Antonio and Austin markets in Texas.

The new franchise group brings considerable experience in the restaurant industry to their new endeavor with Panera Bread. Their organization currently owns and operates seven Baja Fresh locations in the Austin and Dallas markets. John Oudt served as Chairman of the Board for Barq's Root Beer for 20 years, until the company was purchased by Coca-Cola in 1995. Stewart worked previously as a Region Manager for Lonestar Steakhouse and Saloon. "We are honored to welcome John, Randal and Bob to the Panera family," said Mike Kupstas, Senior Vice President and Chief Franchise Officer at Panera Bread. "We believe that their team's experience and understanding of the market are key assets in our expansion into San Antonio and Austin." Under the terms of the new agreement, the franchise group will open a total of 15 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the San Antonio and Austin regions. "We are excited to be part of Panera Bread, a growing brand and proven leader in the industry," said John Oudt. "We look forward to introducing Panera to the people of San Antonio and Austin -- and believe these markets represent strong growth opportunities for us." Panera Bread owns and franchises bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. names. The company is the leader in the emerging specialty bread/cafe category due to its unique bread combined with a quick, casual dining experience. As released in the November 1, 2005 earnings statement, Panera Bread operates 825 bakery-cafes (265 company-owned and 560 franchised). Additional information is available on the company's website, http://www.panerabread.com . SOURCE Panera Bread

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