Already the largest franchise operator of Panera Bread restaurants, Warren-based Covelli Enterprises is expanding to include Caribou Coffee.

The companies this morning announced they signed a franchise development agreement, touting it as the largest deal of its kind for Caribou Coffee, which is part of the Panera Brands portfolio.

Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises, and his three children, Candace, Albert and Danielle, plan to open more than 100 coffee houses across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and Florida, according to a news release.

The first location is expected to open later this year on the Ohio Turnpike in the Glacier Hills Plaza in New Springfield. Other plans include a freestanding location with a drive-thru at the beginning of 2024 on Boardman Canfield Road near the Covelli-owned Panera Bread in Canfield.

Covelli is also looking at potential locations in Boardman, Austintown and Warren.

Read more on this story Wednesday in the print edition of The Vindicator or online at www.vindy.com.