Panera partnership
After opening five units in the Boston area, Or took a break from expansion in 2015 to find “the right partner” to grow Tatte, she recalls.
“I didn’t need money,” Or said. “I needed a partner that understands what it takes” to run Tatte.
She was approached by Panera and identified with CEO Ron Shaich’s commitment to clean eating and quality foods. In February, Panera announced it acquired a 50.01 percent stake in Tatte, with the option to increase that investment in the future.
Tatte will remain an independent company with Or still at the helm. “Nothing changed for us except that our lives were made much easier,” Or said. The investment allows Tatte to use Panera’s resources to support its back-of-house operations and to expand Tatte outside of Boston.