Fresh off the heels of a record-breaking 2013, Corner Bakery Cafe announced it has awarded its first multi-unit development agreement of the new year, and plans to open nine new restaurants in the Central Valley area with new franchise partner C&L Cafe.

 

Doug Cross, managing member at C&L Cafe, which also owns and operates multiple restaurant concepts in several states, says the company is thrilled to add Corner Bakery Cafe to its list of brands and introduce the bakery cafe to new fans and communities in Central Valley, California. The group of veteran restaurant operators plans to open its first cafes in 2014 and the remaining sites over the next five years.

 

“Choosing to partner with an established fast-casual brand like Corner Bakery Cafe was an easy decision for us,” Cross says. “For C&L Cafe, we look forward to bringing this great concept to communities in the Central Valley area and are confident that everything from the locally-inspired decor to the freshly-prepared menu will make our cafes a welcome addition in neighborhoods across the area.”

 

C&L Cafe joins a roster of more than 25 franchise partners, raising the development commitments to more than 350 cafes, as Corner Bakery Cafe continues on its goal to more than double its U.S. footprint in the next three years. Last month, the company announced plans to open eight new restaurants in the Sacramento area. With the new Central Valley development agreement, company executives have announced that all California territories area currently claimed. Still, Corner Bakery Cafe believes the Pacific Northwest represents a growth opportunity that will play a key role as the chain moves forward on its future development goals.

 

The rapidly growing fast-casual brand is also looking to expand to new markets in Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee.

 

“We’re excited to start off 2014 with this great news regarding our latest development agreement, expanding the reach of our signature neighborhood bakery cafe experience even further in the California market,” says Gregg Koffler, vice president of franchise sales for Corner Bakery Cafe. “With all of the momentum we’re experiencing coming off a record-breaking year with 12 area development agreements, the Central Valley area is the perfect place to continue our expansion plans as the brand looks to numerous new locations and even more fans on the West Coast.”