Calling all experienced restaurateurs:
A Colorado-based company wants you to help it expand its brand into the Port City.
Einstein Bros. Bagels, part of publicly traded Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, has set its sights on Wilmington for its new franchise program.
The restaurant, which is found in company-owned locations predominantly in large cities, has identified the Port City area as a market that would help grow the brand.
“Through my travels in North Carolina, the economy, in spite of the national problem, still seems to be OK,” said Kevin Kruse, vice president of franchise development for Einstein Noah Restaurant Group. “I think Wilmington would be a fine spot to expand Einstein Bros.”
Einstein Bros. specializes in bagels but also serves panini sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, baked goods and coffee drinks.
“We’re very focused on our food,” Kruse said. “It’s all about the quality of food. We have three executive chefs that work in our test kitchen.”
The chain is considered a fast-casual dining establishment, a segment of the restaurant industry that, according to many reports, is weathering the economic downturn while sit-down casual and fine-dining restaurants are suffering.
Einstein Bros. does two-thirds of its business at breakfast and the other third at lunch. It closes at 5 p.m. Each restaurant employs 18 to 20 people. Full article.
