Baker Bros. inks deal for 10 Houston outletsBaker Bros. inks deal for 10 Houston outlets

HOUSTON Baker Bros. American Deli, the 12-unit deli chain based in Dallas, has signed a development agreement for 10 units in Houston over the next five years.

The agreement with Nitin and Sue Tarte of Houston calls for the first five stores to be developed within the next 36 months.

Founded in 1999 by industry veterans Ken Reimer and Tom Dahl, Baker Bros. specializes in salads, gourmet pizzas and sandwiches on artisanal breads.

Reimer, Baker Bros.' chief executive, said the Houston market is "very similar to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, and we are excited to be working with Nitin and Sue to develop that market."

Baker Bros. offers 14 specialty and build-your-own deli sandwiches. Units range from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet and seat 90 to 160 people.