Corner Bakery Cafe Announces Expansion Plans For Three New Markets

Rapidly-growing fast casual franchise targets growth for Portland, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Orlando

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Oct 17, 2012, 10:00 ET

DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Corner Bakery Cafe, the fast casual bakery cafe known for its ingredient-inspired menu, made fresh to order for breakfast, lunch and dinner and catering for any occasion, has announced expansion plans for Portland, Ore., Minneapolis-St.Paul and Orlando, Fla.

With more than 140 franchise and company-owned locations open or under development, Corner Bakery Cafe expects to open at least 47 restaurants in the three markets as part of previously announced plans to double its footprint in the U.S. over the next four years. The growth will be accomplished primarily through franchising.

"These markets are a perfect for Corner Bakery Cafe," said Jonathan Benjamin, vice president of franchising at Corner Bakery Cafe. "Each is known for their strong neighborhoods and with our neighborhood approach to development, we expect each new restaurant to quickly become a favorite gathering place for local families and friends. Add the fact that fast casual is the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry, and that makes Corner Bakery Cafe an ideal concept for entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators looking for new opportunities in these markets."

The targeted expansion calls for 18 new restaurants in Minneapolis-St. Paul, 18 in Orlando and 11 in Portland. Corner Bakery Cafe is currently evaluating potential franchisees for each market.

"Based on the exceptional success we are experiencing with both existing and new restaurants, we are convinced that now is the time to be even more aggressive in our efforts to take Corner Bakery cafe into new markets," said Benjamin.

Evolving from its start in 1991 as a small bread bakery in downtown Chicago, Corner Bakery Cafe is today a national cornerstone of the fast casual dining segment thanks to an innovative menu, its neighborhood approach to development and exceptional unit level economics, including an average $2.2 million in annual sales volume and an attractive AUV/Investment Ratio.

Corner Bakery Cafe's made-to-order menu features hot breakfast scramblers, signature panini and sandwiches, homemade soups, hand-tossed salads, pastas and decadent desserts while providing a place to gather with family and friends. Corner Bakery Cafe also provides a robust, best-in-class catering platform, presenting fresh food perfectly packaged for delivery or pick up.

More information on Corner Bakery Cafe franchise opportunities is available at www.cornerbakerycafe.com/Franchise.

About Corner Bakery
Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests in 14 states and Washington, D.C. Established in 1991, Corner Bakery Cafe restaurants are owned and operated by CBC Restaurant Corp. with more than 140 company-owned and franchised locations around the country. Founded on a philosophy of creating a place for people to relax and gather with family and friends, Corner Bakery Cafe offers a casual atmosphere featuring innovative, seasonal menu options ranging from hot breakfasts and signature panini to handcrafted salads, sandwiches and mouthwatering sweets. Corner Bakery Cafe offers dine-in, to-go and catering service for any occasion. Corner Bakery Cafe delivers a premier bakery cafe experience in the heart of neighborhoods everywhere.

For more information, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com. Become a fan of the Corner Bakery Cafe on Facebook, or follow Corner Bakery Cafe on Twitter @CornerBakery.

SOURCE Corner Bakery Cafe