As part an ongoing aggressive franchise growth strategy Corner Bakery Cafe today announced that New Jersey Corner Foods LLC will be their newest partner in bringing the popular neighborhood gathering spot to New Jersey area residents. Since the company’s first location in 1991 to its current reach of 99 restaurants across the country today, Corner Bakery Cafe’s growth in the fast-casual segment has been primarily through company-owned and operated locations until it launched its strategic franchise development program at the end of 2006.
“Over the past several years, we’ve invested heavily in new systems and product innovation that provides best-in-class dining experience for our guests,” says Mike Hislop, chairman and CEO of CBC Restaurant Corp. “After completing our 20th straight quarter of positive comp sales and holding the highest average annual sales volume ($2.2 million) of any national bakery cafe brand, we’re in a position to move our franchise program forward at an aggressive pace, with the right partners. We have found one such partner in New Jersey Corner Foods and its president, Charles Alario. The dedication he has shown to his existing restaurants promises to provide Corner Bakery Cafe with a strong foundation for success in the New Jersey market. ”
With more than 15 years of restaurant franchising experience to his credit, Alario and his wife, Janet, own and operate seven Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and four Golden Corral restaurants throughout New Jersey. His franchise company, New Jersey Corner Foods, plans to add eleven new Corner Bakery Cafes in the Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex Counties of New Jersey within the next five years.
“I first stepped into a Corner Bakery Cafe more than a year ago in downtown Chicago after seeing their catering vans virtually everywhere I looked,” said Alario. “I became transfixed by every aspect of the restaurant – from the loyalty of the guests and the friendly, neighborhood atmosphere to the fresh, innovative menu. Since fast-casual dining is one of the fastest-growing segments in the restaurant industry today, I knew that the Corner Bakery brand and business model would perfectly complement our portfolio.”
CBC Restaurant Corp. launched a strategic franchise development program in October 2006. The program, one of the most competitive in the industry, is designed to attract potential franchise partners who have relevant multi-unit restaurant experience and have received “best-in-class” recognition within their current system. New Jersey Corner Foods marks CBC Restaurant Corp.’s second franchise partnership.
