Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café to Open Second Location in Vernon

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut, is set to open a second location in Vernon.

Between Rounds' newest location offers the convenience of a drive-thru at 229 Talcottville Road, adjacent to the Citgo Gas Station.

The shop will feature fresh ground and brewed gourmet coffee, Between Rounds signature breakfast and lunch sandwiches, fresh bagels and other fresh baked goods.

Between Rounds has been in business for more than two decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joe Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives. The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which set them apart from other cafés. Between Rounds locations include corporate headquarters in South Windsor, Vernon Circle Shopping Center in Vernon, the Plaza at Buckland Hills in Manchester, and the independently owned Tolland store adjacent to a Citgo Express Gas Station.

The new Vernon franchise is owned and operated by New York native, Adam Wayne. Wayne holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and worked as a social worker for five years prior to moving into the business realm. Wayne is a familiar face in the franchise community, having previously co-owned and operated four Edible Arrangements franchises in the Connecticut area for 12 years. After a partnership dissolution, Wayne became the sole owner of the Edible Arrangements franchise located in Manchester Parkade Shopping Center.

Wayne decided he wanted to diversify. As a longtime customer and big fan of the Between Rounds product and concept, he began to consider a Between Rounds franchise offering. Wayne had been working with Global Franchise Exchange, the same business broker as the Puiia brothers, so an introduction was made. Wayne's decision to open a Between Rounds franchise was an easy one and a new Vernon drive-thru franchise was inked.

"I am a self-taught business owner, but my background in social work enables me to really understand what motivates people, which is key in this industry," explained Wayne. "There are plenty of franchise opportunities out there, but I am truly impressed with Jerry and Joe Puiia, their concept and the high quality of Between Rounds products. I'm very excited about the new store and ready to grow it."

"Adam is a seasoned, successful franchise owner and great fit for our organization. We're thrilled about our new drive-thru, which we feel will do very well in this particular area," said franchisor Jerry Puiia.

Between Rounds is expanding throughout Connecticut and franchise opportunities are now available.In addition to the Kiosk Franchise program, Between Rounds also offers a unique Area Developer Program that encompasses the operation of retail bakery sandwich café locations as well as a manufacturing commissary in a protected territory.

For more information about Between Rounds, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.