Corner Bakery Cafe Continues to Accelerate Growth with Entry into New York State

By: Corner Bakery Cafe | 1,014 Shares 94 Reads

Franchisee Fran DeSimone to Open 15 New York State Locations in Six Years

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The swiftly growing fast-casual concept, Corner Bakery Cafe, extends its reach into the North East with two newly announced franchise agreements that will bring 15 new bakery cafe locations to New York state in the next six years. Franchisee and operating partner Fran DeSimone has aggressive plans to simultaneously develop the greater markets of Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse, complementing Corner Bakery Cafe's current accelerated pace of growth in key regions throughout the country.

"Our original agreement was for nine locations in Rochester and Buffalo, but the overwhelming reception from the market and enthusiasm for the brand led to an easy decision to develop an additional six locations," said Fran DeSimone, Corner Bakery Cafe's New York state franchisee and operating partner. "Corner Bakery Cafe offers high-quality, fresh food, a comfortable atmosphere, a fantastic catering program and the best freshly baked sweets in the area. It is simply the most attractive investment opportunity in the bakery cafe category, offering superior unit-level economics and a unique dining experience unlike any I've seen in my 37 years in the industry."

"Fran's extensive experience in the restaurant business - specifically in the bakery cafe category - along with his plans for fast-paced expansion align well with our own ambitious development goals," said John LaBarge, vice president of franchise business at Corner Bakery Cafe. "We are on track to more than double the Corner Bakery Cafe system in the next three to four years, and our ability to attract this caliber of franchise partner with this level of industry experience enables us to achieve our goal."

The first New York location opened in Pittsford to an enthusiastic crowd on August 15, 2011. Corner Bakery Cafe's exceptional dining experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional sit-down restaurants has successfully attracted a growing fan base of repeat guests in just a few short weeks. The second and third locations will open in Buffalo in December and early spring, respectively. DeSimone is on track to have three Corner Bakery Cafe locations open and serving guests in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse by the end of 2012. These two agreements for a total of 15 units are just two of many Corner Bakery Cafe franchise deals scheduled for completion by the end of the year, adding to the brand's current franchise commitments totaling over 200 new locations.

Known for its innovative menu featuring a wide variety of egg scramblers and oatmeals for breakfast, flavorful sandwiches and signature panini, homemade 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 20 years. Guests can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi while enjoying a bottomless cup of hand-roasted coffee.

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 121 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, Clifton, N.J., Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, El Paso, Texas, Houston, Jackson, Miss., Los Angeles/Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Rochester, N.Y., 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 121 company-owned and franchised locations around the country. Roark Capital Group's June 2011 acquisition of Corner Bakery Cafe has provided further resources and support for the greatly accelerated pace of growth of both company-owned and franchise development. 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 and gives back to the communities it serves as a Share our Strength "No Kid Hungry" campaign partner, striving to end childhood hunger in America. For more information, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com, like the Corner Bakery Cafe Facebook page, or follow Corner Bakery Cafe on Twitter @CornerBakery.

About Franchisee Fran DeSimone

Corner Bakery Cafe's New York state franchisee and operating partner Fran DeSimone has been in the restaurant industry for 37 years, with eight years of experience most recently in the bakery cafe category. DeSimone has strong ties to the New York state area, where he has lived and worked for the past 23 years. Through his development of 15 Corner Bakery Cafe locations he looks forward to strengthening his connections to the neighborhoods and communities in the area.

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