News

Corner Bakery Cafe hires VP of franchise sales

March 7, 2012

On the heels of signing several multi-unit franchise deals in 2011, Corner Bakery Cafe has named hospitality industry veteran Jonathan Benjamin as vice president of franchise sales. Benjamin will spearhead franchise development as the 20-year-old brand seeks to complement its corporate presence across the country through an aggressive franchising program.

Benjamin is a former VP of Development at Wyndham Worldwide, Global Hyatt, and US Franchise Systems, Inc., and brings to the position more than 14 years of proven sales and leadership experience.

Benjamin will be responsible for managing franchise growth and awarding multi-unit deals to new area developers. Corner Bakery Cafe boasts an 18.4 percent EBITDA and reported an average unit volume exceeding $2.2 million. He joins the executive team amidst a period of unprecedented growth in which the company signed multi-unit franchise agreements totaling 54 locations in 2011.

"This brand has the advantage of strong awareness that has been built over 20 years through corporate-owned locations in communities around the country," Benjamin said. "Now, as we step up franchising efforts, one of my goals is to ensure the company grows through consideration of qualified individuals with sharp business acumen and a proven track record in their fields."

Corner Bakery Cafe will open 22 locations this year and plans to double its system size in the next three-and-a -half years. Key markets available for expansion include metropolitan New York, Northern California and St. Louis, among others.