Corner Bakery Cafe Encourages Guests To Rekindle The Lost Art Of Conversation And "connect At The Corner" Over Free Coffee

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Corner Bakery Cafe Helps Guests Reconnect with Friends and Family Face-to-Face

March 31, 2010 // Franchising.com // DALLAS, Texas – In a world of texting, instant messaging and emailing, Corner Bakery Cafe today introduced "Connect at the Corner," a neighborhood initiative and Facebook application that encourages guests to rekindle the lost art of face-to-face conversation and reconnect with friends and family over a free cup of one of its hand-roasted coffees.

While it is now easier than ever to connect digitally, studies show that face-to-face interactions are taking place less often. According to experts, in-person communication is still critical since the human brain receives most of its information through body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. However, instead of dismissing technology as a face-to-face deterrent, the Connect at the Corner program reinforces the use of technology to actually bring folks together the old-fashioned way – in person.

Through April 26, Corner Bakery Cafe will offer two free cups of hand-roasted coffee to Facebook fans who invite a friend to Connect at the Corner. Using the new "Connect" tab on the Corner Bakery Cafe Facebook page, fans can set a date and time to catch up with a friend, create an event invite and print out a personalized offer good for two free cups of hand-roasted coffee, one each for the fan and Facebook friend of choice.

"In today's age, with iPhones, Blackberries and laptops at our eager fingertips, making time for meaningful conversation among friends and loved ones can feel more challenging than ever," said Jim Vinz, Corner Bakery Cafe's president and chief operating officer. "Our 'Connect at the Corner' program is all about connecting with the people that matter most and making time for one another. The program gives friends and family an opportunity to catch up and it also allows us the chance to connect with our guests in the communities we serve."

Corner Bakery Cafe managers have also been getting involved in their respective communities and inviting neighbors to reconnect with one another. Attending countless community events from little league soccer games and parent-teacher nights to city festivals, Corner Bakery Cafe team members have been handing out free travel mugs, as a simple reminder to reach out and make time for neighbors. Each recipient receives two mugs and is encouraged to provide one mug to a neighbor as an invitation to reconnect over coffee. Upon bringing the mugs into a Corner Bakery Cafe, each neighbor is invited to enjoy complimentary coffee, amid a warm and inviting place to chat.

Known for its innovative menu featuring a wide variety of egg scramblers and oatmeals for breakfast, flavorful sandwiches and signature panini, hot soups, signature salads, fresh baked goods and an extensive catering menu, Corner Bakery Cafe has been delighting guests nationwide with fresh, made-to-order meals in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for over 18 years. With over 50 handcrafted menu items under $7, Corner Bakery Cafe offers customers both variety and value. Guests can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi while enjoying a bottomless cup of one of their signature hand-roasted coffees.

From a small bread bakery on a corner in downtown Chicago to a national cornerstone of fast casual dining, Corner Bakery Cafe opened its first location in 1991 and now operates more than 115 locations across the country.

About Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Jackson, Miss., Los Angeles/Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Washington D.C. Established in 1991, Corner Bakery Cafe restaurants are owned and operated by CBC Restaurant Corp. with more than 115 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. Recognized by Health Magazine as one of the healthiest quick-serve chains, and Parents magazine as one of the best fast casual dining experiences for families with young children, 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.

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