1993
170
$633,700
$40,000
$1,027,300
No
Looking to invest in a fast-casual bakery café with a strong legacy, fresh-baked offerings, and a loyal customer base? The Atlanta Bread Company franchise stands out in the USA’s quick-serve dining scene, blending artisan breads, healthy soups, sandwiches, salads, and bakery delights with a welcoming café atmosphere. Founded in 1993 in Sandy Springs, Georgia, it has built a reputation for quality, freshness, and community appeal—positioning itself as an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a recognizable, quality-driven brand to grow in their local markets.
Strong Concept & Cult Following: Loved for its fresh-baked artisan breads and healthy, made-to-order meals, Atlanta Bread cultivates repeat business with its commitment to quality.
Proven Business Model: With roots dating back to the early 1990s, its franchising system has been refined over decades.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive guidance in site selection, construction, operations, marketing, and ongoing training—essential for both newcomers and experienced restaurateurs
Clear Financial Structure: Transparent upfront investment range and fee structure help investors evaluate potential returns efficiently
The Atlanta Bread Company is a well-known American bakery café chain that was founded in 1993 in Sandy Springs, Georgia, by brothers Robert and Richard Auffenberg. Initially, it started as a single neighborhood bakery offering freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, and light meals. The concept quickly gained popularity for its warm café atmosphere, fresh menu, and fast-casual service style.
In 1995, the company began franchising under the leadership of Jerry Couvaras (CEO) and Basil Couvaras (COO), who helped drive significant expansion across the United States. By the early 2000s, Atlanta Bread had become one of the fastest-growing bakery café concepts in the country.
At its peak in 2004, the brand operated over 170 franchise locations across 25 states, employing more than 5,000 people. Its growth positioned it as a strong competitor in the bakery-café segment, often compared to Panera Bread (though the two brands are not affiliated).
Atlanta Bread Company remains a privately owned company, with its headquarters located in Smyrna, Georgia. While the brand experienced contraction after its peak years, it continues to operate in select markets and maintains a loyal customer base.
As of recent reports (2024), Atlanta Bread operates around 10 locations across three U.S. states, focusing on high-traffic suburban and urban markets where demand for fast-casual bakery cafés remains strong. Despite its smaller footprint compared to the early 2000s, the brand continues to attract entrepreneurs and customers thanks to its quality food, inviting environment, and community appeal.
Atlanta Bread Company belongs to the Fast-Casual Bakery Café Segment of the restaurant industry. This category combines the convenience of quick service with higher-quality menu offerings, such as:
Freshly baked artisan breads
Soups, sandwiches, and salads
Flatbreads and paninis
Pastries and desserts
Specialty coffee and espresso drinks
This positioning appeals to health-conscious, time-sensitive consumers seeking a balance between convenience and quality.
From a single bakery in Georgia to a national franchise brand, Atlanta Bread Company has built a reputation for freshness, consistency, and hospitality. Although its franchise network has contracted over time, it remains a recognized player in the American café culture and continues to provide opportunities for franchise investors who want to leverage its established brand identity.
Pre-Launch Support: Includes assistance in site selection, real estate negotiations, and construction planning to ensure optimal location and buildout .
Training Program: Features comprehensive training curricula covering operations, quality control, and customer service. According to one source, total training can amount to approximately 434 hours across classroom, on-the-job, and online modules .
Operational & Marketing Support: Ongoing support includes help maintaining bakery café operations and boosting visibility through marketing initiatives and promotions .
Additional Support Elements: Likely includes assistance with grand opening, menu development, supply chain connections, and operational best practices—though detailed specifics would come from the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The Atlanta Bread Company franchise is best suited for entrepreneurs who combine strong business acumen, a passion for hospitality, and the financial resources to manage a full-scale bakery café. While restaurant experience is an advantage, the brand provides comprehensive support and training—making it accessible to both seasoned operators and new investors with the right skill set and commitment.
Financial Capability
Net Worth Requirement: Minimum of $1 million.
Liquid Capital Requirement: At least $400,000 readily available.
Ability to handle ongoing operational expenses, royalty payments, and local marketing investments.
Comfortable with a total investment range of $633,700 – $1,027,300 depending on location, size, and build-out.
Business & Leadership Background
Prior experience in food service, hospitality, or retail management is highly preferred.
Strong organizational and leadership skills to manage a staff of 20–40 employees.
Understanding of customer service, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Motivated self-starter with the ability to follow a proven franchise system.
Willing to invest time and effort in building a community-focused business.
Driven to uphold Atlanta Bread Company’s core values of freshness, quality, and consistency.
Passion for Food & Hospitality
A genuine interest in artisanal breads, fresh meals, and café culture.
Commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences and fostering repeat business.
Ability to create a warm, inviting environment where people enjoy gathering.
Operational Commitment
Either an owner-operator actively running the business daily or a multi-unit investor with an experienced management team.
Willingness to commit to the franchise agreement and maintain brand standards in food preparation, service, and store ambiance.
Location Preference & Market Vision
Strong preference for high-traffic urban and suburban markets with strong café culture and demographics favoring professionals, families, and students.
Ability to evaluate and secure prime real estate locations such as shopping centers, office complexes, and college towns.
Visionary outlook to scale from a single unit to multiple units in a territory if the market potential is favorable.
Experienced restaurateurs seeking to diversify into a bakery café model.
Corporate professionals looking to transition into entrepreneurship with a proven business system.
Multi-unit operators of other franchise brands who want to add a fast-casual dining concept to their portfolio.
Food enthusiasts passionate about delivering healthier, freshly prepared menu options in their community.
Minimum Investment Required: $633,700
Total Investment Range: $633,700 – $1,027,300 (depending on store size, build-out, and market conditions)
Franchise Fee: $40,000 (one-time upfront payment)
Liquid Capital Requirement: $400,000 minimum
Net Worth Requirement: $1,000,000 minimum
Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales (ongoing)
Advertising/Marketing Fee: Up to 3% of gross sales (national and local marketing fund)
Infrastructure & Setup Costs: Included in the total investment (covers leasehold improvements, equipment, initial inventory, signage, and interior build-out)
Working Capital: Typically $75,000 – $150,000 recommended for initial operations until break-even
Expected ROI: Not publicly disclosed; varies by location and operator performance (refer to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document for earnings data)
Break-even Period: Estimated 18–36 months, depending on sales volume and operational efficiency
Revenue Streams:
Dine-in and takeaway sales
Catering services for offices, schools, and events
Bakery and retail bread/pastry sales
Specialty coffee & beverage sales
Delivery and third-party ordering platforms
