Acquisition Gives Company Over 300 Bakery-Cafes
Ohio headquartered Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, announced today the acquisition of an additional 21 bakery-cafe locations in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The acquisition gives Covelli over 300 Panera Bread restaurants in five states and Canada. The company now owns over 130 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the state of Ohio. That number is the largest amount of cafes owned in one state by any company in the Panera system.
“We are very proud and excited to expand our business here in Ohio where we are headquartered,” said Sam Covelli, Owner/Operator of Covelli Enterprises. “We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty. Without their support we would not be able to grow as we have,” Covelli continued. “We commit to bring the loyal Panera Bread customers of the Cincinnati area the best food served by the friendliest employees in the cleanest restaurants possible, all while giving back to the local communities in any way we can,” Covelli concluded.
The addition of the Cincinnati bakery-cafes follows the acquisition of two other Ohio markets. The company acquired bakery-cafes in the Dayton area in late 2014. Previous to that, Covelli acquired bakery-cafes in the Columbus area. Since purchasing those markets, Covelli has more than doubled the number of bakery-cafes in those areas, with over 60 restaurants currently open. Covelli has aggressive growth plans for the Cincinnati market as well.
Covelli, known for his philanthropy, donated more than $26 million in 2015 alone to local non-profit organizations and hunger relief agencies in all Ohio markets. The company maintains a strong dedication to supporting organizations locally in all areas of the state, ensuring they give back to the communities who support each of their cafe locations.
