New Look, New Rollout For Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain has launched a systemwide remodeling program. As part of the initiative, the Boston-based fast-casual company has already remodeled a majority of its cafés in one of its largest markets—the greater New York City area, where it operates more than 30 restaurants.

The remodels include a new sandwich suite and tossed salad station. Layouts have been redesigned to speed service, particularly at the sandwich bar, where a more efficient ordering process using iPads is being tested.

Double-digit sales increases reported at the newly remodeled New York units have led the chain to roll out a major expansion. This year it will add more than 20 new cafés, including in new markets such as Nashville, Tenn., and Sacramento, Calif. Currently Au Bon Pain operates 318 bakery-cafés.