A Recipe for Giving Back
When Albert Covelli opened his first franchise restaurant in Warren, Ohio, in 1959, he laid the foundation for what would become one of the nation’s largest restaurant franchise organizations. Over the decades, Covelli Enterprises has grown into a multi-brand operation, with locations in eight states.
Following in Albert’s footsteps, his daughter and son-in-law, Annette and Gavin Ford, expanded the company into Florida. Through the Covelli Family Limited Partnership (CFLP), an entity of Covelli Enterprises, they have become the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, operating 57 of the 300+ Panera Bread locations encompassed under the Covelli umbrella. But just as important as the company’s success has been the Covelli family’s commitment to giving back.
Annette has been a longtime leader on the Orlando Health Philanthropy Council and has served as a volunteer at the Orlando Health Cancer Center for many years. Her passion for helping others has guided the family’s long-standing support of Orlando Health.
Through their various philanthropic efforts, the Covelli family has donated more than $2.2 million to the Orlando Health Foundation, including $500,000 in support of the Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion. Their generosity helps ensure that children and families throughout Central Florida have access to leading-edge care for years to come.
Today, Annette’s son, Kevin Ricci, continues the family’s tradition of leadership and service as CEO of CFLP. Like his mother and grandfather, he believes that businesses have a responsibility to support the communities they serve and has made philanthropy a central component of their family business.
Through charitable programs, community partnerships and personal giving, the Covelli family remains committed to making a difference in the communities they serve. Their continued support of Orlando Health reflects a legacy of generosity that continues to impact children and families throughout Central Florida today.
Panera’s Heart Cookies Make a Sweet Impact
Panera Bread cafés across Central Florida continue the sweet tradition of turning Heart Cookies into meaningful impact, raising more than $22,000 for heart patients at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. From February 1–14, guests purchased Panera’s signature heart-shaped shortbread cookies with 100% of proceeds benefiting local patients.
We are grateful to Panera Bread for their continued support, helping to ensure children with heart conditions receive the compassionate, specialized care they need.
