Our
Growth

Panera Bread executive and employee smiling inside restaurant
Wendy's logo, red-haired girl mascot, Old Fashioned Hamburgers text
Wendy's Franchise started
1975
The Hamra Enterprises legacy started in 1975 when Sam F. Hamra, Founder and Chairman entered a franchise agreement with Wendy’s International. The first store was opened in 1976 on West Sunshine Street in Springfield, Missouri and is still a part of our Wendy’s group today.
1975
Bob Hope autographing suit for family, girl in Raggedy Ann costume
Bob Hope at Wendy's opening
1976

Bob Hope officiated a Wendy’s opening at Glenstone Ave. Springfield, MO.

 
1976
Classic Wendy's logo, red-haired girl, Old Fashioned Hamburgers text
Six new Wendy's locations
1980

Six Wendy’s opening trailed from Rolla, Jefferson City to Branson, MO between 1976 and 1980.

1980
Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, microphone, with smiling friend Sam.
Sam Hamra at the 11th Wendy’s
1981
Each and every one of our customers receives personalised assistance from our dedicated support team.
1981
Wendy's Missouri Gold Spatula Award plaque, Better Together emblem, 1982.
Wendy's Gold Spatula Award
1982
Wendy’s of Missouri was awarded the Gold Spatula Award by Wendy’s International for the Highest Percentage Increase.
1982
Wendy's red logo, girl mascot, Quality Is Our Recipe, Old Fashioned Hamburgers.
Wendy's expanded north of Springfield and Hamra Enterprises was created in the late 80s
1985
Four Wendy’s opened this year; Jefferson City, Clinton and two in Columbia, MO.
1985
Two men, suits, smiling by Wendy's Dave Thomas poster.
Dave Thomas attends grand re-opening
1996
Wendy’s International founder Dave Thomas attended Wendy’s W. Sunshine, Springfield MO grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
1996
Eight business professionals ribbon-cutting ceremony, grand opening celebration with balloons.
Opened first Panera Bread location
1998
Hamra entered into a development plan with Panera Bread® within greater Chicago area and opened the company’s first Panera Bread (St. Louis Bread Co.) in Deerfield, IL on April 15, 1998.
1998
Panera Bread restaurant, brown brick exterior, striped wheat awning, golden logo, tree.
10th Chicago Panera Bread opened
2000
Opened 10th Chicago Panera Bread in Joliet, IL.
2000
Panera Bread logo, stylized woman holding artisan bread loaf
Expanded growth with four Panera Bread openings
2001
Hamra Enterprises expanded growth in Massachusetts and opened its first Panera Bread in Burlington, MA. Four bakery-cafes opened within that same year in the Greater Boston area; Watertown, Franklin, Everett and Quincy
2001
Wendy's fast food logo, red-haired girl, Quality Is Our Recipe slogan
Mike Hamra joins Hamra Management
2001
Mike Hamra leaves the practice of law and joins Wendy's of Missouri and Hamra Management.
2001
Panera Bread restaurant exterior, gray building, outdoor seating, clear blue sky.
10th Boston Panera Bread opened
2003
Opened 10th Boston Panera Bread in Hyannis, MA
2003
Smiling man, dark hair, dark blue collared shirt, professional headshot.
Mike Hamra becomes President & COO
2005

Mike Hamra became President and COO, and subsequently CEO of all brands in 2011.

2003
Gold Wendy Award trophy statue, young girl figure, wooden base, engraved plaque.
The Wendy's Award
2007
Wendy’s of Missouri receives The Wendy Award at the Wendy’s International Convention
2007
Panera Bread restaurant, brick corner building, colorful awnings, outdoor seating.
16th Boston Panera Bread opened
2007
Opened #16 Boston Panera Bread in downtown Boston on High Street
2007
Panera Bread restaurant exterior, prominent logo, wood siding, stone entrance.
30th Chicago Panera Bread opened
2008
Opened #30 Chicago Panera Bread in Bannockburn, IL
2008
Collage: Wendy's employees, costumed Wendy, Historic Route 66 sign, "Every Customer Counts".
Wendy's received Every Customer Counts Award
2008

Wendy’s in Rolla was awarded the Silver Trophy winner for the Every Customer Counts Award. Rolla was top 14 in the world out of 6,600 restaurants.

2008
Bronze bust Sam Hamra, 2009 Founder's Award, Wendy's of Missouri.
Outstanding Wendy's Franchisee of the Year
2009
Sam F. Hamra, Founder and Chairman of Hamra Enterprises received the “R. David Thomas Founder’s Award” for being named the “Outstanding Wendy’s Franchisee of the Year.” The “R. David Thomas Founders Award” is presented each year to the “Outstanding Wendy’s® Franchisee” of the year as determined by The Wendy’s Company. There are 6,600 Wendy’s restaurants worldwide which are owned and operated by 450 Franchisee organizations and by The Wendy’s Company.
2009
Panera Bread brick building, prominent drive thru sign, customers at entrance.
First Panera Drive-Thru
2011
First Panera drive-thru retrofit in Round Lake Beach, IL
2011
HERO Fund logo with red star, HAMRA EMPLOYEES REACHING OUT
The Hamra Employees Reaching Out (HERO) Fund was established
2011
The HERO Fund is an emergency relief fund serving employees of all Hamra Enterprises entities: Wendy’s restaurants in Missouri, Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Greater Boston, Noodles & Company restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Missouri, a Holiday Inn in Texas and Hamra Management employees.
2011
Panera Bread 2012 Share The Warmth Award plaque, Chicago Bread recipient.
Chicago Panera awarded Share the Warmth
2012
Chicago Panera was awarded the “Panera Share the Warmth Award.” The award honors and recognizes the individual or organization that has deepened Panera’s relationship with customers in the local community.
2012
Dave Thomas Hall of Fame crystal award Sam F. Hamra
Hall of Fame Award
2013

Sam F. Hamra, Founder and Chairman of Hamra Enterprises received the 2013 Wendy’s International “Hall of Fame Award,” the highest honor awarded to a Wendy’s franchisee each year. Wendy’s® “Hall of Fame” honorees who receive The Wendy’s Company “Hall of Fame Award” annually, are Wendy’s Franchisees and Wendy’s key company employees who are recognized for their extraordinary efforts and significant achievements in support of the Wendy’s system.

2013
Hamra Enterprises Charter document, core values, red grid logo.
The Hamra Charter was created
March 6, 2013

A group of 50 individuals from different roles and markets spent a few days in Springfield, MO and generated a very powerful future for the company. The Hamra Enterprises Charter was created on March 6, 2013.

2013
Four men, different ages, business casual clothing, standing in front window.
Wendy's in Kansas City
February 2014
Hamra Enterprises expanded reach in Kansas City area and acquired six Wendy’s franchise restaurants.
2014
Noodles & Company Your World Kitchen restaurant, red umbrellas, outdoor patio seating.
Noodles & Company in New England
April 2014
Introduced Noodles & Company to Massachusetts and New Hampshire by opening the first Noodles & Company restaurant in Shrewsbury, MA on April 30, 2014. Burlington, MA and Nashua, NH opened a couple of months later.
2014
Noodles & Company restaurant exterior, red umbrella outdoor seating, sunny day.
Acquisition of Seven Franchised Noodles & Company Locations in Missouri
June 2014
Acquisition of Seven Franchised Noodles & Company Locations in Missouri
2014
Wendy's mascot and restaurant executives pose for group photo.
35th Wendy's Restaurant Opened
July 2014
Opened the 35th Wendy’s restaurant in Columbia, MO and unveiled innovative restaurant design.
2014
Panera Bread restaurant exterior with drive-thru, winter snow, approaching car.
35th Chicago Panera Bread Opened
January 2015
Opened the 35th Panera Bread in Aurora, IL and 96th restaurant in the company
2015
Noodles & Company building exterior, stone turret, prominent sign, large windows
Third Noodles & Company opens in Westwood, MA
April 2015
On April 24, the third location in Massachusetts located in the new University Station development opened
2015
Smiling people applauding, men cutting red ribbon, restaurant grand opening.
Hamra Enterprises Celebrates 100th Unit Opening
May 2015
Tinley Park locals anxiously awaited as family-owned Hamra Enterprises opened the doors and officially kicked off the grand opening celebration of their 100th unit, a Panera Bread in Tinley Park, Ill. A significant milestone for the multi-unit franchisee of Wendy's, Panera Bread, Noodles & Co. and Holiday Inn Express and Suites, many notable company members and partners spoke to this great success.
2015
Wendy's restaurant staff poses outside modern building, red patio umbrellas.
Hamra Enterprises announced the acquisition of 30 Wendy’s restaurants in the Boston, MA market
November 2015
With this acquisition, Hamra Enterprises will own and operate 134 restaurants in six states, employ over 5,000 people and becomes the largest Wendy's franchisee in Boston, MA in the market
2015
Industrial chic cafe, exposed ductwork, modern pendant lights, wood tables, fireplace.
Hamra's Second Panera Generation 4 Model Cafe Opened in Dedham, MA
July 24, 2018
Hamra's second Generation 4 bakery-cafe opened in Dedham, MA
2018
Wendy's restaurant, diverse staff group, modern red building exterior.
Hamra Unveils 92nd Wendy's in Skokie, IL
December 10, 2019
Stunning new Wendy’s® experience. The restaurant was built using an innovative interior and exterior design, which is part of an ongoing effort to provide an enhanced customer experience — from the high-quality food to the restaurant environment.
2019
Panera Bread restaurant exterior, brick building, outdoor tables, large windows.
Hamra relocated first Panera Bread on Waukegan Rd. in Deerfield IL to new location
February 10, 2020
The new bakery-cafe features the latest Panera design with heated outdoor patio seating.
2020
Panera Bread restaurant, brick facade, green awnings, drive-thru, delivery, catering.
Hamra opens second Panera Bread location in Joliet, IL
February 17, 2020
The new 4,758 sq. ft. location features the latest Panera design with a drive-thru
2020
Hamra Employees Reaching Out Hero Fund 10-year anniversary superhero logo.
The HERO Fund 10th Anniversary
February 17, 2020

The HERO Fund celebrates 10 years of supporting one another with a 10th anniversary logo designed by Brenna Kenneavy. The fund raised $2 million since its inception in 2011 and has granted more than 110 grants to Hamra families. Watch 10th anniversary video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=f864wR…

 
2020
Modern Wendy's restaurant, outdoor patio, dramatic orange-pink sunset clouds.
Hamra opened it's 36th Wendy's restaurant in Missouri
November 8, 2021
This restaurant marks the168th restaurant location for Hamra Enterprises. With revitalized decor, comfortable seating and other amenities, guests will enjoy a stunning new Wendy’s® experience when they visit the new restaurant at 535 E. Highway 24, Moberly MO
2021
Wendy's modern fast-food restaurant, illuminated red facade, wet pavement, dark clouds.
Hamra's 95th Wendy's opened in Marshfield
April 11, 2022
This Wendy's restaurant marks the 95th Wendy's and 170th restaurant location for Hamra Enterprises.
2022
Panera Bread restaurant entrance, busy customers, green and yellow balloons.
Hamra opened it's first 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Panera Bread at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston
February 21, 2023
This location marks the 18th Panera bakery-cafe in Boston and the 66th Panera in 5 states; Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
2023
Caribou Coffee drive-thru sign, brown brick commercial building, blue sky.
Hamra Enterprises signed a multi-unit agreement to open 24 Caribou Coffee
April 25, 2023
Springfield-based Hamra Enterprises is opening 24 Caribou Coffee franchises in Missouri, including at least one location in their hometown.
2023
Panera Bread restaurant building, outdoor seating, trees, blue sky
Hamra Enterprises Acquires 24 New Panera Bread Locations
June 28, 2023
Missouri-based restaurant operator continues growth mode. For the second time this year Hamra Enterprises, a nationwide, family-owned, restaurant operator headquartered in Springfield, Mo., has announced a major expansion, with the acquisition of two dozen Panera Bread® cafés in the Deep South. Hamra Enterprises will now own and operate 195 restaurants in 11 states, which includes 98 Wendy’s® and 7 Noodles & Company® restaurants, and now 90 Panera Bread cafés.
2023