Panera Bread to Open 14 Sites in L.A. County
Panera Bread Co., a fast-growing chain known for its gourmet sandwiches served on freshly baked breads, plans to open its first California outlet next year in Southern California, hoping to cash in on consumers’ growing taste for fresh food at a moderate price.
The St. Louis-based, 390-store company said it has signed an agreement with franchisee Mariposa Bread to open 14 cafe-bakeries in Los Angeles County in three to five years. Panera said it hopes to sign additional deals with Southland operators.
Shares of Panera fell 43 cents to $62.29 on Nasdaq. They’ve risen 20% this year. Panera has bakery-cafes in 30 states.
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Marc Ballon
Eat your way across L.A.
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