Washington Trust Finances New Bess Eaton Coffee Shops

Local Bank & Residents Team to Bring Back Hometown Coffee Shops Shops Create Job Opportunities in Local Area

Westerly, Rhode Island... Washington Trust’s Commercial & Industrial Lending Group has provided real estate and equipment financing, as well as an operating line of credit to Bess Eaton Management, LLC, of Westerly, RI. David Liguori, a lifelong Westerly resident and former Bess Eaton executive, along with Don Hassel, Robin Busch, and Mary Duggan Haverly, former Bess Eaton employees and Tim Horton franchise owners, recently secured the rights to the Bess Eaton Coffee Shop Name and Intellectual Property Rights. The group plans to open stores on Oak Street in Westerly, RI, on Broad Street in Pawcatuck, CT, and on Kingstown Road in Wakefield, RI in late March 2011. The original Bess Eaton Coffee Shop chain was sold to Tim Hortons doughnut shops in 2004; Tim Horton closed the local stores in late 2010.

"We’re excited to bring Bess Eaton back to the area,” stated David Liguori. “Our team is dedicated to making the Bess Eaton experience everything our original customers remember: high quality coffee and donut lines combined with exceptional, friendly, hometown service,” Liguori added, “While we may not be as large as the former Bess Eaton chain of 42 stores, we do hope to grow into a strong local chain in the Southern New England area.” In addition to the three planned sites, future sites are currently under negotiation.

The Bess Eaton product line will consist of the original coffee blend beverage, as well as iced coffee, donuts, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and pastry products.

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is one of New England’s premier financial services companies, providing commercial banking, personal banking, mortgage banking, and wealth management services to individuals and institutions throughout the region. Our Commercial Banking Group offers a full line of commercial and industrial lending, commercial real estate, and cash management services to borrowers throughout the Northeast. Our team of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing customized, comprehensive financing and personalized services. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ Global Select, symbol: WASH).