Business Description

Founded in Saint Louis in 1987, SAINT LOUIS BREAD has expanded into new markets over the past few years, with strong consumer acceptance for its unique concept. Each SAINT LOUIS BREAD bakery-cafe features a comfortable neighborhood setting where residents can relax and enjoy a wide range of fresh-baked sourdough breads, along with other fresh-baked goods, bagels and hearty made-to-order sandwiches, salads and soups.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1987

Franchising Since:  1993

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	356	65.9%
Company-Owned Units:	184	34.1%
Total Operating Units:	540	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 540 100% In 14 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 540 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. Georgia	8
2. Illinois	25
3. Missouri	36

Registered in Following Registration States: California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, District Of Columbia

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$3MM
Cash Investment:	$135-165K
Total Investment:	$550-650K
Average Total Investment:	$600K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$35K
Average Franchise Fee:	$35K
On-Going Royalty:	5%
Average Royalty:	5%
Advertising Fee:	Up to 5%

Average Number of Employees: 17 Full-time, 17 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 3,500

Preferred Sites: Free-standing Building, Storefront, Strip Center, Regional Mall

Other Sites:

Encourage Conversions? No

Earnings Claims Provided?: Yes

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	5
General Business Experience:	5
Specific Industry Experience:	5
Formal Education:	3
Psychological Profile:	3
Personal Interview(s):	4
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	20 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	Agrmt. Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Not Allowed
Area Development Agreements?	Yes, for 1 Year(s)
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	No
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	No
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	54
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	No
Financial Assistance?	No
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	No
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Not Applicable
Central Purchasing:	Included in Fees
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Not Applicable
Regional or National Meetings:	Included in Fees
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. St. Louis, MO	10 Weeks
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 108 U.S.: Yes, All United States Canada: No Overseas: No	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Panera Bread Company.