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St. Louis Business & Technology News
www.slfp.com/SLFPBIZp.htm "When you think Saint Louis, think Saint Louis Front Page," a weekly publication covering the news and events in the greater St. Louis area. 
St. Louis Front Page P.O. Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com To advertise, contact: advertising@slfp.com 
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Panera Bread Company Celebrates 1000th Bakery-Cafe ST. LOUIS, (BUSINESS WIRE), October 8, 2006 - St. Louis-based Panera Bread Company celebrated its 1000th Bakery-Cafe and success as a public company by ringing The NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell Thursday morning. In a statement, Panera Bread Chairman and CEO Ron Shaich commented, "Our 1000th opening, expected in early November in Oakbrook, Illinois comes on top of Panera's industry-leading performance over the last 10 years, and the power of a concept that continues to deliver among the highest volumes in the industry." Shaich continued, "Today, Panera enjoys a unique standing among a select few distinguished companies that have meaningfully impacted the consumer consciousness." Earlier this year, Panera was highlighted by the Wall Street Journal for its outstanding stock performance - both over the short-term and long-term. Panera demonstrated industry leading stock performance as measured by the Wall Street Journal 'Shareholder Scoreboard,' which evaluates stock growth for the Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index's 1,000 largest companies. Panera Bread topped the list in the Restaurants and Bars category for one-year shareholder returns (63% return), five-year shareholder returns (42% return) and ten-year shareholder returns (32% return), besting notable companies in the restaurant category including Starbucks, Darden Restaurants, Wendy's, Cheesecake Factory, McDonald's and Outback Steakhouse. Across the 1,000 largest companies that were ranked, Panera was the 28th best performer as measured by shareholder return over the last 10 years." "With annual unit volumes reaching almost $2 million per unit, our success also speaks to the tireless dedication of the Panera family, from our bakers to our franchisees, and their shared passion for bringing artisan bread and specialty food to consumers in search of something better." Shaich added, "Although we have ranked in the Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index as the best performing restaurant stock in America over the last ten years, we consider ourselves to be in the early stages of growth. Our expectation that we and our franchisees will open a new bakery-cafe every other day or so for the foreseeable future is indicative of the tremendous growth we see ahead of us." With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu free of man-made trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites to compliment new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor and free WiFi Internet access. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. "We have seen great benefit through our long affiliation with NASDAQ," concluded Shaich. "Particularly exciting is that we're opening The NASDAQ Stock Market at a point in our growth trajectory where we can publicly celebrate such significant performance and business milestones."  
The Saint Louis Front Page is owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan Saint Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2008 Moore Design Group . |
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