CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-46682, 33-46683, and 33-96510)
and Form S-3 (File No. 33-82292) of our report dated February 13, 1998, except
for Note 17 as to which the date is March 23, 1998, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Au Bon
Pain Co., Inc. as of December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996, and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 27, 1997, which report is included
in this Annual report on Form 10-K.


                                                   /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND, L.L.P.
                                                       Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Boston, Massachusetts
March 27, 1998