BURLINGTON, VT. — Bruegger’s Bagels is nearing completion on new prototype bakeries in Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. Overall, the company plans to remodel 50 bakeries by the end of the year and expects to spend more than $10 million renovating hundreds of bakeries during the next three years.

The new design, developed by Columbus, Ohio-based design and development firm WD Partners, will feature a brick and stone hearth in the bagel display area where guests may watch bagels being kettle-boiled and baked in the traditional style. The ordering station will take a cue from European bakeries, with a wider array of fresh baked goods, including desserts and freshly baked bread.

Bruegger’s said the interiors of the renovated bakeries will feature a new community table where customers may more easily access the bakery’s free Wi-Fi or gather with friends. The new bakery also will offer espresso, new to Bruegger’s, along with a self-service coffee bar with coffee options that change seasonally, including Fair Trade Certified blends.

“This design represents the future of our bakeries,” said Jim Greco, chief executive officer of Bruegger’s. “Our guests have given us so much over the years, we’re happy to give them a new way to enjoy Bruegger’s. To show our appreciation to the community, we’ll also launch a fund-raiser for the local children’s hospitals in conjunction with the grand re-openings.”

For its grand re-openings, Bruegger’s will partner with the Children’s Miracle Network and the local children’s hospital in each of the five cities introducing a redesign. During the week of April 26-May 2, a portion of proceeds from every bagel dozen purchased at any bakery in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh will be donated back to the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in that city, Bruegger’s said.

Founded in 1983, Bruegger’s Enterprises, Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., operates 295 locations in 26 states, the District of Columbia and Toronto. The company is known for its New York-style bagels baked fresh throughout the day, as well as for an array of fresh bread made on site, including honey wheat and hearty white. Other menu options include cream cheese flavors, breakfast sandwiches, salads, soups, sandwiches, paninis and desserts.