By Mario Toneguzzi

Fresh from opening three new locations, COBS Bread has big plans to further expand its brand across the country.

Brad Bissonnette, VP Marketing & Franchise Recruitment for the company which first opened in North Vancouver in August 2003, tells Retail Insider that it plans to grow to 250 locations in Canada by the end of fiscal year 2022.

“We have a vision to be your favourite bakery within every community that we do business in. Currently, we see an opportunity to really ignite a passion for fresh bread and the freshest baked treats,” says Bissonnette.

“We’re looking to strategically expand across Canada.”

COBS Bread opened its 100th Canadian bakery in Chestermere, Alberta at the end of November. Since then it opened its 101st location in Grande Prairie, Alberta and 102nd location in Ottawa. COBS Bread will also be expanding into Manitoba in early 2018, opening in Winnipeg at St.Vital Square with a local franchisee.

“We’re really excited to be opening our first location in Winnipeg around the end of February and we’re currently recruiting franchisees to share our values and our vision for the Atlantic provinces,” says Bissonnette.

“We’re still considering what our strategic plan will be to enter the Quebec market.”

It has bakeries throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. It also has one location in the United States in Stamford, Connecticut, which opened about three years ago.

“One of the strengths of this national network, and why we are hitting such a milestone, is due to the strong business systems we have in place," says Bissonnette. "COBS Bread has a strong commitment to building the brand through the financial health of our franchises, a strong commitment to customer experience and a focus on quality products.”

COBS Bread has been awarded the Franchisee's Choice Designation by the Canadian Franchise Association for seven consecutive years.

COBS Bread features hand-crafted bread and fresh treats baked every day. It is part of Bakers Delight Holdings Ltd, established in 1980 and operating as Bakers Delight in Australia and New Zealand and COBS Bread in Canada and the United States.

Together they have grown to become the world's most successful bakery franchise with more than 700 bakery locations worldwide.

*Photos are courtesy of COBS Bread.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: December 19, 2017

Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Email: mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com.