Einstein Bros. Bagels, a national bagel and food chain, wants to open three locations in the Roanoke Valley.

And the company is seeking a franchisee who is up for the challenge.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, based in Colorado, said it is targeting the Roanoke area for new locations, given the presence of its Einstein eateries in other Virginia cities, such as in Richmond and Fredericksburg.

Kevin Kruse, vice president of franchise development for Einstein, said he considers the Roanoke Valley "a very ripe area for our stores," citing its presence along Interstate 81 and its central location to Lynchburg and the New River Valley.

A potential Roanoke area franchisee could open locations in surrounding areas, such as the New River Valley, he said.

Einstein Bros. eateries serve breakfast and lunch, closing at 5 p.m. on weekdays. Along with bagels and sandwiches, they serve coffee, salads, baked goods and desserts.

Last year, Einstein began opening this concept up to franchisees as a way to expand its brand quickly, Kruse said. Though consumer spending is slowing nationwide and many people are cutting back on dining-out dollars, Einstein's concept has been successful, he said.

Rather than eating out for dinner, many consumers are "trading their dinner locations for breakfast and lunch," Kruse said.

So far, Einstein has opened 44 locations nationwide through six franchisees. It operates about 350 Einstein Bros. company-owned stores, and approximately 150 eateries at airports and colleges.

Einstein franchisees pay a weekly 5 percent royalty fee. A typical Einstein Bros. company-owned restaurant had average sales of about $890,000 in 2007, Kruse said.

He already has made contacts with potential franchisees in the Roanoke Valley, though there is not a specific timetable for opening new locations.

Still, Kruse said, "I wouldn't be surprised if we signed something by year-end. I'm not at the point where we are closing any deals, but I have spoken to interested parties about that whole area."

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group owns some other bagel bakery brands, including Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel.