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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated May 15, 2002, included in this Form 10-K of New
World Restaurant Group, Inc., into the Company's previously filed Registration
Statements on Forms S-8, S-3 and S-4.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


New York, New York
May 31, 2002