Bruegger’s  the Burlington, VT franchisor announced that it will continue to add bakeries in spite of the weak economy. In 2008, the company is ahead of plan inking development agreements totaling 46 new bakery commitments. Since 2005, when Bruegger’s significantly modified its franchising program, the company has reached development agreements for 153 new bakeries.

This year, Bruegger’s also signed multi-unit deals in two of the largest and most competitive retail markets in the country. In August, the company closed a deal with Hart Street, LLC to open 20 bakeries in New York City over an eight year period. Earlier in the year, franchise rights for 15 bakeries in Chicago were awarded to Windy City Bagels. The company has also reached multi-unit agreements with franchisees in Ohio and Florida this year.

This announcement comes on the heels of a September Wall Street Journal article citing a Franchise Update Media Group survey in which 150 franchise companies, respondents said their franchise sales were about 72% below their 2008 goals, with inquiries from prospective franchisees down about 48 percent1.

“We look for people who love and understand the business and have the resources to build a successful franchise,” said Bruegger’s Vice President of Franchising Chris Cheek. “Our goal is to grow the right way. Choosing the right franchisees and pairing them up with the right locations is key to making that happen.”

Bruegger’s has also seen 18 consecutive quarters of comp sales growth. This month, the company announced third quarter system-wide gross sales of $45.13 million; a 8.7 percent rise over $41.52 million for the same period in 2007. Revenue for comparable sales grew 1.7 percent at company locations and 1.7 percent system-wide for the third quarter ending October 30, 2008.

“Over the last five years we have successfully restructured our business model and we’re seeing the pay off through consistent sales increases and new development deals,” said Bruegger’s CEO Jim Greco. “We’re looking to do even better in 2009.”