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Jerry Puiia

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Appoints New Assistant Production Manager

Justin Cummings

MANCHESTER, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND AND VERNON, CT… 
Justin Cummings, a resident of Manchester, CT, has been promoted to Assistant Production Manager at Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café headquarters in South Windsor, CT.
 
Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bagel shop and bakery café with five locations in Connecticut, is also a bagel wholesaler to more than 100 grocery retailers. Due to significant growth in wholesale distribution along with the recent addition of a franchise location in East Windsor earlier this year, the company is expanding production and Cummings will assist in leading the team and overseeing production.
 
Cummings, who has a passion for baking, has been a bagel maker at Between Rounds for the past seven years. His previous experience includes baking bread and more as a baker for Sprouts Farmers Market in Denver, CO. 
 
In his new role as Between Rounds’ Assistant Production Manager, Cummings will work closely with Joseph Puiia, co-founder of the company. He will hold an active role in product development, which includes creating innovative flavors of bagels, cream cheeses and sandwiches. He will manage inventory and continue to oversee bagel production, which includes baking, shaping and seeding.
 
Currently, Cummings is pursuing an associate in science degree in the Culinary Arts program at Manchester Community College. 
 
In his free time, Cummings has hobbies that include world cuisine and board game design. He is excited to add new flavors to Between Rounds’ traditional deli selections.
 
Wholesale Distribution
The family-owned Between Rounds has been in business for more than three decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives. The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets Between Rounds apart from other cafés. Between Rounds has wholesale partnerships with independent, family-owned and multi-location grocery retailers, innovative dairy delivery services (such as The Modern Milkman), hospitality groups, and others in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
 
Between Rounds signature bagels are consistent (and made from the same family recipe for over 30 years now) and meet their wholesale partners’ high-quality standards. All the bagels are locally-produced at Between Rounds state-of-the-art South Windsor, CT headquarters.
 
Retailers interested in becoming a wholesale partner and offering fresh-baked, local products 
are encouraged to contact Jerry Puiia at jerry@betweenroundsbagels.com or 860-291-0323.
 
About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café
Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-onsite bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffees and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience.
 
Between Rounds locations include East Windsor, South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, CT. Franchise and wholesale opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

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New Between Rounds Franchisee Brings Specialty Brews and Coffeehouse Vibe to Manchester, CT

MANCHESTER, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND AND VERNON, CT… Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has a new store owner brewing up big plans for the Plaza at Buckland Hills Manchester location.

The Manchester café is now owned and operated by Ajay Mathew, a native of Hartford, CT who currently resides in South Windsor with his wife and two daughters. Mathew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from University of Connecticut in Storrs and an MBA from Post University in Waterbury. He had a 20-year career in the automobile insurance industry, most recently as a Unit Manager at Travelers Insurance in Hartford, CT. However, coffee has always been a passion of Mathew’s and it was time to follow his dream of opening a coffee shop. 

Mathew was interested in buying an established business and spent about two years researching various franchise opportunities looking for just the right fit. He was impressed with Between Rounds’ high-quality bagels and their overall franchise concept when he met with Between Rounds franchisors Jerry and Joseph Puiia.

True to the franchise’s standard fare, the Manchester café will continue to feature Between Rounds signature baked-on-site bagels and baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Mathew will expand the menu with specialty brews and create a coffeehouse ambiance in Manchester.

In addition to the fresh ground and brewed gourmet coffee that patrons know and love, Mathew is expanding upon Between Rounds’ coffee offerings and adding new menu items such as Cold Brews as well as new brew methods. A new state-of-the-art espresso machine has already been installed to provide high quality results in half the time. Cold Foam is now offered, which is similar to whipped cream and goes very well with Cold Brews. Other new offerings include Pour Overs as well as six varieties of flavored coffee. On-site bean roasting may even be a possibility at some point in the future.

According to Mathew, “To me, comfort is amazing coffee and delicious bagels. I’m very passionate about coffee and exploring new brew methods and it’s exciting to have an opportunity to do so in the Manchester café.”

“Ajay is a very good fit for Between Rounds. We’re enthusiastic about his vision for the Manchester location which will serve as a launchpad for all of Between Rounds’ new coffee brews. The café itself has also been transformed to have more of a coffeehouse atmosphere complete with comfortable leather couches and custom artwork,” said franchisor Jerry Puiia.

The family-owned Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café has been in business for more than three decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives. The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets them apart from other cafés. In addition to the Manchester location, Between Rounds has corporate headquarters in South Windsor, as well as a location in Vernon Circle Shopping Center, and the independently owned Tolland store adjacent to a Citgo Express Gas Station. 

“Our franchise opportunities are very appealing to motivated individuals like Ajay who are looking to make the transition from corporate management to business ownership,” explained Puiia. “Between Rounds offers brand recognition, proven operations and plenty of training and support which is a recipe that ensures success.”

Between Rounds’ Manchester location is 1540A Pleasant Valley Road in the Plaza at Buckland Hills. For more information, call the Café (860) 644-9025 or visit betweenroundsbagels.com.

The Café is open Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Franchise Opportunities
For those who are looking to be their own boss and take charge of their career, Between Rounds’ offers several different franchise opportunities, from a traditional store opportunity to Kiosk Gas Station and Convenience Market program to an Area Developer Program.

Franchisor Jerry Puiia explained, “A Between Rounds franchise offers the appeal of a locally-owned, community gathering place; renowned bagels and coffee and other signature fare; as well as excellent unit financial performance and wholesale distribution opportunities.”

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café
Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-onsite bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffees and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience.

Between Rounds locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, CT. Franchise opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Kicks Off Monthly “Storytelling in the Round” on April 17th

NamSense book IMG_0806Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café recently announced the launch of “Storytelling in the Round”, a new monthly program featuring readings by Connecticut’s own published (and aspiring) authors at their newly renovated Vernon store located at Vernon Circle Shopping Center, 243 Hartford Turnpike.

Arthur Wiknik, Jr., author of the brilliantly written Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, is Between Rounds’ first featured author scheduled to appear on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. In his book, Mr. Wiknik’s shares his account of life and death in Vietnam while serving as a combat squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division.

One Sunday a month from September to May, Storytelling in the Round puts the spotlight on a different local author. During these FREE one-hour events, an author reads an excerpt from their work, which is followed by a question and answer session and book signing. Attendees may purchase copies of the author’s book during the event or bring their own copies and have them signed by the author.

“Connecticut is home to so many wonderful authors. Storytelling in the Round gives both the author and the reader an opportunity to connect – right in their own backyard at their local Between Rounds café,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

All Storytelling in the Round author appearances are arranged by Ron Farina, an author, nationally recognized speaker and veteran. Mr. Farina is the author of several short stories on Vietnam, including the award winning short story Unbreakable Embrace, published by the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy (2013).

For more information about future author events, email info@betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces Vernon Remodel

BR Vernon renovation 2016Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café has closed the doors of their Vernon store for renovation. The bakery café and bagel shop encourages customers to visit their Manchester store, which is just three miles away, at the Plaza at Buckland Hills, 1540A Pleasant Valley Road, Manchester, CT 06074. Customers can also visit the South Windsor store at 19 John Fitch Boulevard, Route 5, South Windsor, CT 06074 or the Tolland store at Citgo Express Gas Station, 206 Merrow Road, Tolland, CT 06084.

During Between Rounds Vernon renovation, staff will temporarily work in the Manchester store and all catering orders will be satisfied via the Manchester store.

Between Rounds Vernon is slated to reopen at the beginning of March. The store will have a new look, with upscale décor that boasts comfortable seating, carpeting, dedicated giftware displays and a more comfortable atmosphere overall. The redesign will facilitate faster customer flow.

Between Rounds is also hiring additional management, counter and baking staff for their Vernon store. Those interested in applying may download an application from betweenroundsbagels.com and bring it to any Between Rounds location.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Fast Casual Dining Franchise is Expanding – Between Rounds Announces Franchise Opportunities

Between Rounds 1 exteriorConsidering a career move? For anyone looking to begin a new chapter as a business owner in the fast casual dining segment – the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry – Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is now offering two different franchise opportunities.

With locations in South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, Between Rounds fast casual dining establishments have become the area’s favorite locale for fresh, baked-on site bagels and healthier, freshly prepared, high quality meals served in a clean, comfortable, upscale environment.

Two types of franchise opportunities are available: a Kiosk Gas Station/Convenience Market program and an Area Developer Program.

The Kiosk Gas Station/Convenience Market franchise is a non-traditional convenience store/gas station model that offers gas station customers the ability to purchase Between Rounds specialty coffee, fresh made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, fresh baked bagels and assorted bakery items from a clean, well-designed store adjacent to the filling station. The kiosk store has low start-up costs and requires an overall investment of approximately $120K for a standard store with no drive-thru.

The Area Developer Program is unique in its franchise offering, as it encompasses the operation of three retail bakery sandwich café locations as well as a manufacturing commissary in a protected territory. This development strategy allows the franchisee to maximize efficiencies in labor, food, and energy costs while providing a solid investment return.

Off to a Successful Start

Between Rounds helps franchisees start off successfully with site location, construction assistance and extensive staff training prior to opening and after the launch. Every detail regarding safe, clean and successful food service is reviewed and demonstrated. Between Rounds corporate ensures there are field representatives on hand to work with your staff, and once the store is operating smoothly, they continue to offer organizational support and guidelines for successful programs.

According to Between Rounds  co-founder and franchisor, Jerry Puiia, “Fast Casual Dining is the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry. We are always looking out for new franchise locations and the right people to run it. It’s an ideal time for franchisees in the fast casual market.”

Between Rounds is family owned and operated in Connecticut since 1990. Unlike their competitors that require high initial investment and multiple franchises, the Between Rounds Kiosk Gas Station/Convenience Market opportunity is a reasonable initial investment with no minimum number of franchises required. The company has also secured three financing companies, Benetrends, FranchiseLeasing.com and The Stratford Group, to help new franchisees with financing of KioskGas Station/Convenience Marketoperations.

Puiia continued, “A Between Rounds franchise offers the appeal of a locally-owned, community gathering place; the quality of freshly made bagels and other baked goods, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, and specialty coffees; and excellent unit financial performance and wholesale distribution opportunities.”

For more information about the Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café opportunities, visit http://franchise.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Hires New Baker

BR Phyliss Dombrowski copyBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has recently appointed Phyliss Dombrowski as a full time Baker in their Vernon café.

Ms. Dombrowski will be responsible for baking bagels, rolls, breads and a variety of pastries and desserts daily for the Vernon location. She has more than a decade of baking, cooking and food service experience gained while working for Sodexo and Starbucks in Bloomfield, CT as well as for the City of New York Board of Education in NY, and Baxter Retirement Village and Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR.

A native of Glendale, NY, Ms. Dombrowksi completed college coursework in medical coding and terminology while studying to become a medical assistant.

She resides in Manchester, CT.

“Phyliss is a dedicated and efficient baker with a wealth of experience. We’re very pleased to have her on our team,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Unveils Unique Giftware Line

BR Logo from Andy smallLooking for a special gift for a friend, family member, teacher or co-worker? Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café now carries unique giftware in their Manchester, South Windsor and Vernon stores.

In addition to fresh, baked-on site bagels, sandwiches, salads, soups and specialty coffee, patrons can now shop for holiday and hostess gifts at Between Rounds fast-casual dining establishment. Between Rounds’ unique gift line ranges from mugs and platters, to ornaments, frames and more. Many of the gifts are geared towards an occasion, theme or the recipient and include Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays, as well as birthday, retirement, get well, military, pet, new parent, teacher and more.

Between Rounds’ line of affordable giftware is available year-round, and the selection changes with the seasons and holidays.

“Our extensive collection of holiday giftware has been well-received so far. Customers who stop in for coffee and select a gift for someone, often end up purchasing a themed mug or an ornament for themselves as well,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Fundraising Program

BR Logo from Andy smallBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has recently announced their unique Between Rounds Fundraising Program.

The Between Rounds Fundraising Program simplifies the fundraising process for youth athletic teams, schools, theaters and other groups. Essentially, Between Rounds designates a specific week where a portion of sales goes directly to the fundraising group.

How it Works

The team or group leader makes arrangements with Between Rounds’ corporate office for a fundraising week. The team/group leader is provided with a Between Rounds Fundraiser Week Flyer (PDF), which they are able to share with supporters as handouts or via email and social media.

Supporters spend a minimum of $10 on food/beverages at any Between Rounds location during the scheduled fundraiser week, and Between Rounds donates $1 per sale to the team/group.

The Between Rounds Fundraiser Week Flyer must be presented at time of purchase to ensure that a portion of the supporter’s purchase goes to the appropriate team/group.

“This is an innovative way to raise funds for your team, group, or school,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “Our program is easy to implement, and easy to promote via social media.”

For more information, contact Jerry Puiia of Between Rounds 860-291-0323.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Establishes Grocery Partnership With the ShopRites of Canton and West Hartford

Jerry Makles, bakery manager at ShopRite of West Hartford
Jerry Makles, bakery manager at ShopRite of West Hartford

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut, has recently partnered with Joseph Family Markets and the ShopRites of Canton and West Hartford, Connecticut to supply their signature bagels to ShopRite customers.

The two ShopRite stores, owned by Chuck and Debbie Joseph of Joseph Family Markets, are located at 110 Albany Turnpike in Canton and 46 Kane Street in West Hartford. As a family owned business, they are proud to partner with Between Rounds, which is also family owned, and will offer Between Rounds’ bagels in the bakery departments of both stores.

Joseph Family Markets ispassionate in its search for high-quality food products from Connecticut’s best small businesses. After hearing about Between Rounds Bagels, Chuck Joseph had his management team and associates try the bagels, which were met with rave reviews. Joseph made the decision to carry the product in his stores and the partnership was born.

Between Rounds bagels join a select group of other Connecticut-made products under the Joseph Family Markets Connecticut’s Own banner. “As a family-owned business, we forge partnerships with other Connecticut food artisans to bring their unique and flavorful products – from bagels to organic, gluten-free chips and salsa to micro batch ice cream and everything in between – to our customers,” explained Joseph.   “We’re proud to feature Between Rounds bagels as part of Connecticut’s Own, found here every day, under one roof.”

Between Rounds is the brainchild of the Puiia brothers, who established cafés in Vernon, South Windsor, Manchester and Tolland. The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which set them apart from other cafés. The popularity of their bagels inspired the Puiias to partner with independent grocers. The bagels are delivered to grocers fully baked so no additional labor is required of the bakery department.

Between Rounds has established partnerships with 22 grocers in Connecticut. Independent grocer owners or store managers interested in carrying Between Rounds bagels may contact Jerry or Joe Puiia at (860) 291-0323.

About Joseph Family Markets and the ShopRites of Canton and West Hartford

The ShopRites of Canton and West Hartford are proudly owned and operated by Joseph Family Markets, a locally owned business founded in 2010 by Chuck and Debbie Joseph.  The mission of Joseph Family Markets is to positively impact its associates, customers and community while upholding its core values of integrity, self-realization, family, service, enjoyment and sustainability. Joseph Family Markets and the ShopRites of Canton and West Hartford are dedicated to fighting hunger and supporting youth programs in the communities they serve. To learn more about ShopRite, visit www.shoprite.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Establishes Grocery Partnership With the ShopRites of Canton and West HartfordRead More