Einstein expands licensing program

Lakewood, Colo. Einstein Noah Restaurant Group said Tuesday that its Einstein Bros. Bagels chain will ramp up its growth through licensing during the remainder of 2009 and into 2010.

Current plans call for more than 20 additional licensed store openings in the coming months, the company said.

"Even in this difficult economic environment, we have built tremendous momentum behind our licensing program," said Paul Carolan, senior VP franchising and licensing operations for Einstein Bros.

Twelve new licensed stores in the first two quarters of 2009 include such university locations as The University of Texas-El Paso and The University of North Carolina-Charlotte, as well as such military locations as Fort Lee in Virginia and Fort Erwin in California.

By the end of 2009, the company said it plans to have more than 180 licensed Einstein Bros. locations across the United States, along with 500-plus corporate and franchised stores.