Panera Bread franchisee buys 21 more locations

The largest Ohio franchisee of Panera Bread extended its reach, adding 21 bakery-café locations in the Cincinnati area, Covelli Enterprises announced today.

The acquisition gives Warren, Ohio-based Covelli more than 300 Panera Bread restaurants in five states and Canada. The company now owns more than 130 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Ohio, including several in the Dayton area. That number is the largest amount of cafes owned in one state by any company in the Panera Bread 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, in a release.

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 that support each of their café locations.