Corner Bakery Cafe’s began in 1991 with artisan bread-making in Maggiano’s kitchens in Chicago. As its menu expanded to breakfast, lunch and dinner, the brand maintained its bakery foundation, emphasizing quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and welcoming hospitality.
Beginning today, Corner Bakery is offering a complimentary surprise dessert sample every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. at all corporate-owned cafes. Timed for a sweet treat around lunch or dinner, the program features seven treats, including custom butter cakes and a lemon tart developed especially for Corner Bakery.
“Guests often come in knowing exactly what they want, and it’s easy to overlook something new when you already have a favorite,” said Erin Hasselgren, president of Corner Bakery Cafe. “We wanted to give them a chance to try a treat before committing to an order. It also gives our cafe teams a reason to start a conversation, hear what guests think and help them discover more of the menu.”
The custom desserts were developed with French Gourmet and ShellsbyDesign, including butter cakes, which Datassential identified as the fastest-growing dessert.
“The advantage of a custom recipe is that the brand gets a say in the dessert itself, beyond simply choosing something from a catalog,” said Don Smith, CEO of French Gourmet/ShellsbyDesign. “For Corner Bakery, we want these butter cakes and tarts to become something guests stop in for, even when they weren’t planning to stay for a meal.”
The sampling lineup includes Tuxedo Butter Cake, Lemon Tart, Salted Brown Butter Crispy Bar, Almond Butter Cake, Pecan Chocolate Chunk Bar, Fudge Brownie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake.
Guests can check Corner Bakery Cafe’s social media daily to discover the surprise sample of the day. To explore the full menu and find their nearest cafe, visit cornerbakerycafe.com.
