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Covelli adds N.C. to its Panera franchise

WARREN — Locally based Covelli Enterprises, already Panera Bread’s largest franchisee, has added more than a dozen locations to its bakery-cafe chain.

The Warren company said this week that the acquisition of the 15 restaurants in North Carolina includes locations in High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Mooresville, Clemmons, Boone, Hickory, Salisbury and Burlington. Covelli has more than 300 Panera bakery-cafes.

“Our franchise could not be more excited to acquire these North Carolina markets where we see such amazing growth potential for the Panera Bread concept,” said Sam Covelli, owner / operator of Covelli Enterprises. “Our company is committed to bringing the loyal customers in this region the best food, served by the friendliest employees, in the cleanest restaurants possible, all while giving back to the local communities in any way we can.”

The addition of the North Carolina bakery-cafes, formerly owned and operated by Show Me Bread Inc., follows the acquisition of several South Carolina and Georgia markets at the end of 2016.

Covelli Enterprises acquired 22 bakery-cafes in midland and lowland South Carolina and Georgia, with bakery-cafes in Columbia and Augusta, as well as the coastal towns of Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head and Savannah. The company opened a Myrtle Beach location in November 2016 that broke company sales records.

Covelli has aggressive growth plans for the North Carolina markets acquired in this sale in the coming few years, a news release from the company states.

Sam Covelli, known for his philanthropy, donated more than $28 million in 2016 alone to local non-profit organizations and hunger relief agencies in all markets.

The company said it is dedicated to supporting various organizations and giving back to communities that support each of its locations.

news@tribtoday

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