Così (restaurant)

A Così restaurant in Arlington, Virginia

Così Restaurant

Così (NASDAQ: COSI) is a renowned American restaurant chain that primarily specializes in serving a wide variety of sandwiches and salads. Established in 1996, the brand has since expanded, and there are now over 144 Così locations peppered across the continental United States. The inspiration for the original Così restaurant can be traced back to a quaint cafe located in the heart of Paris, France.

History

In the late 1990s, Così experienced a significant change. Specifically, in October 1999, the brand underwent a merger with the cafe/bar chain known as XandO, previously branded as ZuZu. This strategic merger was initiated to capitalize on the unique strengths of both brands. While Così was popularly frequented during the lunch hours, XandO drew significant crowds during the evenings. This combination allowed them to provide service throughout the day without any significant downtime.

Così's distinctive name owes its origin to the opera Così fan tutte. This particular opera held a special place in the heart of the original owner, leading them to name the restaurant after it.

Despite its origins in the United States, Così's influence is global. Beyond the 144 restaurants spread across 16 states and the District of Columbia, the brand has also established a presence in the United Arab Emirates. In a notable business move, Così sold its District of Columbia outlets to Capitol C Restaurants in June 2010. This transition led to the stores being operated under a franchise agreement, with Capitol C also being recognized as the owner of the well-known Qdoba Mexican Grill.

The central operations and administrative tasks for Così are managed from their headquarters located in Deerfield, Illinois.

Cuisine and Ambiance

Così takes immense pride in its unique culinary offerings. The brand is particularly well-known for its bread, which is freshly baked in open flame ovens. This baking process is transparent and takes place in full view of the customers, adding to the overall dining experience.

Apart from their signature sandwiches and salads, all Così establishments feature a full-service espresso bar, catering to the caffeine needs of their patrons. Select locations also offer a range of alcoholic beverages. An unforgettable part of the Così dining experience is their s'mores dessert, which has garnered quite a following.

See Also

• List of restaurant chains in the United States

External Links

• Official website

Così (restaurant) Resources
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