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Corner Bakery planning 2014 growth

January 21, 2014

Corner Bakery Cafe's emphasis on multi-unit national expansion and partnering with respected franchise leaders paid off immensely in 2013, Gregg Koffler, who was promoted to Corner Bakery Cafe's VP of Franchise Sales last summer, said in a company press release. Last year, the chain signed 12 new area development agreements, adding commitments for more than 120 new cafes and raising the total to more than 300 cafes under development as the company moves forward on its goal to double its U.S. footprint in the next three years.

"Last year was the most significant in Corner Bakery Cafe's franchising history," Koffler said. "We plan to continue to capitalize on this momentum and have set our sights to continue our franchise development success in 2014. There is no question that Corner Bakery Cafe is the right brand in the right segment for qualified developers seeking to expand or diversify into the bakery cafe segment of fast casual."

Last year's Corner Bakery Cafe signings included 16 new cafes in the Greater New York City area, 21 in Boston, seven in Oklahoma, nine in San Diego, 14 in Tampa, 10 in Northeast Florida, 13 in Phoenix, 10 in Wisconsin, 21 in Baltimore, five in Idaho and eastern Washington state and 10 in Westchester and Suffolk counties in New York.

In addition, Corner Bakery Cafe celebrated the opening of three new locations inside the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as the chain begins targeting non-traditional venues as part of its overall national expansion strategy, according to the release.

Looking ahead to 2014, company executives believe new markets represent a tremendous growth opportunity that will play a key role as Corner Bakery Cafe moves forward with its franchising goals and is actively seeking experienced franchise leaders with the ability to open multiple locations to drive development. The brand is currently looking to expand to new markets in Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee.

"Based on the exceptional success we are experiencing with both existing and new restaurants, we are convinced that now is the time to be even more aggressive in our efforts to take Corner Bakery Cafe into new markets," Koffler said.

The company also completed a redesign of the brand's CornerBakeryCafe.com website, allowing guests to personalize their online and offline experience with their local Corner Bakery Cafe in ways not previously available through standard, fast casual restaurant websites. One of several new features includes the "To-Go" online ordering that allows guests to skip the line and order online, adding to the previously available option of catering online ordering. The new cutting-edge website also deployed a completely reformatted franchising section, designed to provide franchise prospects with easier access to information and a more efficient way to begin the application process.

"We are coming off one of our most successful years in the company's history. Twelve new development agreements representing more than 120 new cafes is a huge milestone for our brand," said Gary Price, Corner Bakery Cafe's president. "Additionally, 2013 was a record-breaking year for the brand's catering business, further solidifying our standing as a widely-recognized industry leader in catering services. All of this would not be possible without our new partnerships with experienced franchisees, new and continuing menu innovation and an increased focus on local catering efforts within our communities."

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