Corner Bakery Invests in Long-Term Growth with Nationwide Remodels and Expansions
Since acquiring the brand in June 2023, Corner Bakery has reinvested over 6.2 million dollars back into the business through 100% self-funded improvements. The more recent remodeled locations in California, completed between October 2024 and January 2025, offer refreshed interiors and exteriors designed to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the café's signature neighborhood charm.
'We want our communities to know that we're here to stay, and our loyal guests deserve cafés that look and feel special,' said Chris Dharod, CEO of Corner Bakery. The Brand's commitment to growth is also reflected in its expansion of self-ordering Kiosks, furthering the company's investment in delivering better guest experience through technology. 'These renovations and technology enhancements reflect our commitment to elevating the Corner Bakery experience' continued Dharod.
Renovations include updated seating, flooring, paint, décor, beverage counters, awnings, and patio furniture, all aimed at creating a more modern, comfortable atmosphere for guests. These recent investments are part of a broader revitalization effort. In the first half of 2025, Corner Bakery plans to spend another half of a million dollars to remodel additional locations primarily in Illinois and Pennsylvania, with the goal of updating all its locations by 2027.
'These renovations and new openings reflect our commitment to growth while staying true to what makes Corner Bakery special,' added Dharod. Known for its hard-to-resist Cinnamon Creme Cake and its delicious soups, salads and sandwich selections, Corner Bakery has always been focused on delivering made from scratch menu items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As the self-proclaimed Panini Authority, the culinary team at Corner Bakery takes pride in their passion for creating delicious, mouth-watering flavors from fresh ingredients every day, including the recently launched Green Chile Chicken Panini.
In addition to these remodels, Corner Bakery continues its national expansion, with new corporate café investments. Joining Union Station in Chicago and Capital Hill in Washington D.C., both of which opened in July 2024, is the highly anticipated re-opening of the Accenture Tower location on March 24, 2025, in one of the busiest train stations in Chicago. All three locations will mark a total investment of more than 1 million dollars from the brand. This Chicago re-opening will then be followed by a fourth new location for the brand, in Irvine, CA, in May 2025.
Besides the addition of new corporate locations, a new franchise cafe in El Paso, TX, recently opened in February under Bakery Ventures led by franchise owner Tyson Duncan. This location marks the 5th Corner Bakery Café in El Paso and 6th overall location for Bakery Ventures. 'Corner Bakery has always been a place where guests can enjoy fresh, handcrafted meals in a welcoming environment,' said Duncan. 'Our investment will ensure we can provide more of what guests have come to love in our community with the addition of this new location.'
As Corner Bakery continues its nationwide growth and revitalization efforts, the company welcomes inquiries from prospective franchisees interested in joining its expanding network. For more information on franchise opportunities, please contact [email protected].
ABOUT CORNER BAKERY CAFE
Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant serving kitchen-crafted breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to guests in 18 states and Washington, D.C. In 1991, inspired by great fresh ingredients, the small neighborhood bakery on a corner of downtown Chicago began creating artisan breads and freshly baked sweets. For the last 33 years, Corner Bakery Cafes have been a neighborhood favorite. Founded on a philosophy of creating a warm and comfortable place for people to relax with friends, family and neighbors, the restaurants feature artisan-inspired, seasonal menu options made with fresh ingredients, while delivering a premier bakery experience in the heart of neighborhoods across the nation. Guests' favorites include the crave-worthy Anaheim Scrambler for breakfast, the grilled-to-perfection Chicken Pomodori Panini for lunch, the kitchen-crafted Pesto Cavatappi pasta for dinner and a slice of rich, flavorful Cinnamon Creme Cake for a sweet treat. The catering menu includes freshly scrambled eggs and Berry & Almond Overnight Oats, baskets of assorted specialty sandwiches, signature pastas and hot and delicious soups. Corner Bakery Cafe is owned by an affiliate of SSCP, a Dallas-based enterprise and an award-winning leader in the restaurant industry. To learn more, visit cornerbakerycafe.com or follow Corner Bakery CafeⓇ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok.
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