Atlanta Bread Leaves Toms River, But Gift Cards Good In Brick

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you were among those who were surprised and disappointed by the sudden closing of the Atlanta Bread location in the Toms River Shopping Center, company officials say there's reason to be happy: it's not the only one around.

In fact, there's a location in Brick that will accept your gift cards and is part of the loyalty program, according to Patric Vrana, a spokesman for the company.

Vrana said the closing of the Toms River location, which happened in October, was simply due to market pressures.

"The fast-casual environment in this market is particularly competitive," Vrana said, and the franchisee decided to shutter the store.

The Brick Township location, on Cedar Bridge Avenue at the back of Brick Plaza, has been in business for more than 15 years, Vrana said, "and can more than accommodate both the customer and catering needs in this market."

Vrana said the gift cards and loyalty program are good at any of its 27 locations.

The privately owned bakery cafe chain established in the United States in 1993 was among the fastest growing chains at the turn of the 21st century and had 170 locations in 25 states in 2004, according to an Associated Press report. But the company has been plagued by a number of issues, according to a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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