Panera Bread Q3 profit jumps

St. Louis Panera Bread Co. said that it earned $18.9 million during its third quarter ended Sept. 29, up 38% from $13.7 million a year ago.

Sales rose 6% to $335 million from $315.2 million on strong bakery-cafe sales and improved fresh dough sales to franchisees. The company also made more money from franchise royalties and fees.

Panera said same-store sales rose 3.3% in the quarter on increased retail prices. Same-store sales at franchise-run bakery-cafes climbed 2.5%.

Panera and its franchisees opened 19 new bakery-cafes, for a total of 1,362 bakery-cafes at the end of the quarter.