Panera Bread Expanding Phoenix Franchise Push

Biz Journals:

Two Burger King franchisees have signed on as part of a new group bringing Panera Bread bakery-cafés to Arizona.

Dennis Hitzeman and Tom McDonald are partners in 54 Burger King locations, four Fazoli’s restaurants and two steakhouses. Along with Shane Hitzeman, an eight-year veteran of franchise operations, they have signed on with the Missouri chain to open 14 locations in southern Maricopa County as well as in Pinal and Pima counties. Panera Bread officials previously announced an agreement with Steve Morris, who plans to open 15 of the bakery-cafés in the North Phoenix market. The first location is scheduled to open late this year.