Bruegger's Bagels Announces New Leadership

BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Le Duff America Inc., owner of Bruegger's Bagels, announced today that Miguel Fernandez will join the Burlington-based company in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer.

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As COO, Fernandez will be responsible for executing the company's strategic vision in conjunction with the brand leadership team. In particular, Fernandez will focus on strengthening corporate and bakery-level teams and maintaining continued operational excellence.

"Miguel brings a remarkable combination of expertise to our team," said Le Duff America co-CEO Claude Bergeron. "His drive and eye for detail deliver bottom-line business results, but he is also a master at developing the people capabilities of a system, which is a key function for Bruegger's Bagels' overall strategy."

Fernandez was most recently executive vice president and chief operating officer for Apple Metro Inc., a franchisee for Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar^® in Manhattan and the New York metropolitan area – the highest-volume restaurants in the system. His leadership resulted in the franchisee's winning Applebee's Operator of the Year in 2012 and back-to-back Franchisee of the Year awards in 2009-2010. Prior to his franchise experience, Fernandez was with Applebee's corporate, most recently as vice president of international operations.

Fernandez will be based in Burlington at Bruegger's Bagels' home office, with significant travel throughout the country to oversee the brand's 300-plus company-owned and franchised bakery locations. 

About Bruegger's Enterprises Inc.
Burlington, Vt.-based Bruegger's Enterprises Inc., a leader in the fast casual restaurant segment, was founded in 1983 and operates more than 300 Bruegger's Bagels bakeries in North America. Renowned for its authentic, fresh-baked New York-style bagels, the chain also offers a wide variety of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options made with high-quality, simple ingredients. Bruegger's Bagels is dedicated to the communities it serves and supports charitable causes locally and nationally. Bruegger's Bagels is owned by Le Duff America Inc., also parent to popular brands La Madeleine, Brioche Doree and Mimi's Cafe. For more information, please visit www.brueggers.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brueggers.

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SOURCE Bruegger's Enterprises Inc.