SSP to open bakeries at Belgian stations

SSP will quadruple the amount of business it has in the Belgian market with its recent agreement that gives it exclusive rights to operate Panos bakeries in the country’s railway stations.

SSP says it plans to open 22 bakeries across the SNCB-operated network. The first was opened at Midi Station in Brussels.

The company says it plans to use the operations for future expansion across travel sectors in the country.

Panos was founded in 1982 and began opening in train stations in 1996. Since then the baker has grown to 150 outlets that are in shopping malls and travel spots across Belgium. The units are 40 square meters in size and are mostly all take-out outlets, with a few having seats. They have signature breads and viennoiseries.

“We’ll be investing heavily in this very popular brand to ensure that its growth continues in the travel sector,” said Vincent Romet, managing director of SSP France and Belgium. “I am also very pleased that Johan Bereins, one of the founders of Panos will be working with SSP to develop the brand over the next five years.”