Great Harvest Bread Honored as World-Class Franchise: Whole grain bakery franchise recognized with ‘highest honor’ by Franchise Research Institute

Posted on December 22, 2008 by Rob Aronson

Dillon, Mont., – The Franchise Research Institute has recognized Great Harvest as a "World-Class Franchise" based on significant research. Great Harvest has received the honor five years in a row and is the only listed company with the special niche of 100 percent whole grain bread made daily from freshly ground, premium wheat from the high plains of Montana.

Researchers contact every franchisee in the system to gather data based on 20 crucial questions regarding the training, and support and quality of assistance from the company. The confidential surveys are used to compile a 13-page report, which details the findings.

• 95 percent of respondents gave a positive rating on the helpfulness and communication between other franchisees

• 94 percent of respondents gave a positive rating on the helpfulness from the franchisor’s field representatives

• 93 percent of respondents gave a positive rating on the level of long-term commitment between the franchisor and their franchise.

"We are grateful for this recognition," said Great Harvest CEO Mike Ferretti. "We strive to be authentic to our craft and with our customers We’re a uniquely democratic organization that thrives on great ideas and energy flowing between the franchise office and all of our bakery owners. The learning community helps everyone feel engaged in the success of the system. It’s a very unique business model that attracts fun, entrepreneurial and community-minded bakery owners," added Ferretti.

Great Harvest Bread Company ’s target audience is college-educated adults (primarily moms) who place a high priority on nutrition. Increasingly, as whole grains have proven to reduce heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, Great Harvest has experienced steady growth of both appreciative customers and interested franchisees who love fresh out-of-the-oven whole wheat bread and its health benefits.

Founded 1978 in Great Falls, Montana, Great Harvest Franchising, Inc., has more than 210 bakeries located throughout the nation including Alaska and Hawaii. Great Harvest is known for its handcrafted breads made daily with freshly ground whole wheat from the high plains of Montana. Today, the neighborhood bakeries create an array of legendary fresh baked breads and sweets, as well as specialty items during holidays. Unlike most American bakeries, Great Harvest mills its whole wheat daily. The fresh flour is used within two days to guarantee optimum freshness, nutritional value and rich taste.