Latest news with #ChrisDharod
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Corner Bakery Cafe Celebrates 34 Sweet Years with Smiley Mugs, Free Coffee, and Funfetti Treats
DALLAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready to raise a mug and share a smile! Corner Bakery Cafe®, is turning 34, and to mark the occasion, the brand is bringing back a fan-favorite tradition with a one-day-only Smiley Mug Giveaway on Thursday, April 10. This milestone event is more than just a birthday—it's a celebration of community, reflection, and, of course, coffee! To kick off the festivities on the big day, the first 34 guests in line at all Corner Bakery locations will receive the brand's Limited Edition iconic Smiley Mug, a nostalgic favorite making a special return for this limited-time birthday celebration. As an extra treat, these lucky guests will also receive an offer for FREE coffee for a year—no purchase necessary. "Turning 34 is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to do that than by giving back to the guests who have supported us," said Chris Dharod, CEO of Corner Bakery. "We're thrilled to bring back the Smiley Mug, a symbol of warmth and hospitality that has been a part of Corner Bakery's history for years. This is just the beginning of an annual tradition that ensures we never let another year go by without celebrating what makes Corner Bakery so special -- our guests." The celebration doesn't stop with the Smiley Mug. Corner Bakery loyalty members can enjoy FREE coffee all day long with any purchase, making the day the perfect opportunity to indulge in a favorite brew. And because no birthday is complete without cake, every guest who walks through the doors will be treated to a FREE Funfetti Bundt Bite, a delightful, bite-sized nod to the joy of birthdays. All day, guests are invited to join in the celebration by snapping a photo with their Smiley Mug or Funfetti treat and tagging Corner Bakery on social media. Whether stopping by for a morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, it's the perfect chance to celebrate the moment, share in the fun, and make lasting memories. 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 hand-crafted menu options made with fresh ingredients every day, while delivering a premier bakery experience in the heart of neighborhoods across the nation. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and join us on April 10 for an unforgettable day of celebration and smiles! Be the first to be in line at the location near you -- the Smiley Mugs are back, the birthday candles are lit, and Corner Bakery is ready to celebrate 34 delicious years—one smile at a time. #sharethesmiles For more information, visit or follow Corner Bakery CafeⓇ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok. *Pricing and hours vary by location. 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 in downtown Chicago began creating artisan breads and freshly baked sweets. For the last 33 years, Corner Bakery Cafes have been a neighborhood favorite. Guest 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 or follow Corner Bakery CafeⓇ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Corner Bakery Cafe

Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Corner Bakery Invests in Long-Term Growth with Nationwide Remodels and Expansions
Corner Bakery Cafe® has recently completed renovations at seven locations, one in Pennsylvania and six in California, reinforcing its commitment to providing guests with a warm and inviting dining experience. 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 or follow Corner Bakery CafeⓇ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok.