Starting In April, Bruegger's Bagels, the 295-unit bakery chain, will introduce its next generation bakery prototype, paving the way for an updated look that will become a staple for the bagel leader.

The first prototypes will be completed in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh by April 30, with plans to complete 50 remodels in 2010. Over the next three years, Bruegger's will renovate hundreds of bakeries at a total cost of more than $10 million.

To showcase the new bakeries, Bruegger's will also host a celebration in each market including a “bagel cuisine” demonstration by Bruegger's Chef Philip Smith, who was recently featured on the Food Network's "Unwrapped."

The new design, developed by Columbus-based design and development firm WD Partners, further spotlights Bruegger's unique offering - genuine New York-style bagels baked fresh all day in each bakery. The new prototypes will feature a brick and stone hearth in the bagel display area and guests can watch bagels being kettle-boiled and baked in the traditional style. The ordering station will take a cue from European bakeries, with a wider array of fresh baked goods, including desserts and freshly baked breads.

Interiors will provide guests with a warmer, more inviting experience featuring cozy seating and a new community table; perfect for enjoying the bakery's free Wi-Fi or gathering with friends. Colorful dishware will be added to enhance the enjoyment of Bruegger's signature menu items. The new bakery will also offer espresso, new to Bruegger's, along with a self-service coffee bar with coffee options that change seasonally, including Fair Trade Certified blends.

"This design represents the future of our bakeries," said Jim Greco, CEO of Bruegger's. "Our guests have given us so much over the years, we're happy to give them a new way to enjoy Bruegger's. To show our appreciation to the community, we'll also launch a fundraiser for the local children's hospitals in conjunction with the grand re-openings."

For its grand re-openings, Bruegger's will partner with the Children's Miracle Network and the local children's hospital in each of the five cities introducing a redesign. During the week of April 26 - May 2, a portion of proceeds from every bagel dozen purchased at any bakery in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh will be donated back to the Children's Miracle Network hospital in that city.

Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., is a leader in the fast casual restaurant segment. In its 295 locations in 26 states, the District of Columbia and Toronto, Bruegger's is dedicated to serving delicious, authentically made food that brings guests back again and again. Famous for genuine New York-style bagels baked fresh throughout the day, Bruegger's also bakes an array of fresh breads on site including honey wheat and hearty white. Guests can chose a variety of menu items that include unique cream cheese flavors, breakfast sandwiches, hand-tossed salads, hearty soups, sandwiches, paninis and desserts, with a frequently changing menu reflecting seasonal and geographical specialties. Every day the neighborhood bakery features a Fair Trade CertifiedTM coffee from Green Mountain Coffee . Founded in 1983, Bruegger's is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont and supports its neighbors in every community it serves. For more information, please visit www.brueggers.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brueggers.