Corner Bakery Cafe is in the midst of an ambitious nationwide renewal effort, having already renovated seven locations across California and Pennsylvania. Under the leadership of CEO Chris Dharod, the company has invested $6.2 million since its June 2023 acquisition and plans an additional $500,000 for renovations in 2024. The cafe chain isn’t just refreshing its existing stores but also expanding aggressively with 5-7 new cafes scheduled to open in 2024 and plans to enter the Pacific Northwest market. With improving financial metrics showing close to double-digit monthly sales increases, Corner Bakery is positioning itself for a strong future through modernized facilities, expanded reach, and enhanced technology.
Fresh Looks for Beloved Cafes
Corner Bakery Cafe has made significant renovations to seven of its locations, with six in California and one in Pennsylvania. These updates aren’t just cosmetic tweaks but complete transformations designed to breathe new life into these community gathering spots. The comprehensive renovations include new seating, updated flooring, fresh paint, modern décor elements, redesigned beverage counters, new awnings, and refreshed patio furniture.
CEO Chris Dharod emphasized the importance of these renovations, stating, “We want our communities to know that we’re here to stay, and our loyal guests deserve cafés that look and feel special.” This commitment to quality environments shows how seriously the company takes customer experience. The cafe chain has set an ambitious goal to update all of its cafes by 2027, demonstrating a long-term vision for the brand.
The company isn’t slowing down either, with $500,000 earmarked for additional renovations in 2024. These funds will primarily focus on locations in Illinois and Pennsylvania, continuing the company’s strategic approach to refreshing its footprint. Promoting these refreshed locations has become a key part of their strategy to attract both new and returning customers.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
Corner Bakery Cafe isn’t just renovating existing locations—it’s also aggressively expanding into both new and existing markets. The company plans to open between 5-7 new cafes in 2024 alone, including a corporate cafe in Chicago’s Accenture Tower. This strategic location targets the bustling downtown business district, catering to professionals seeking quality food in a comfortable environment.
Looking further ahead, a new store in Irvine, California, is planned for May 2025, while a new franchise cafe already opened in El Paso, Texas, in February 2025. These locations represent the brand’s commitment to growing its footprint in areas where it already has a presence, while also exploring entirely new territories. The company has specifically mentioned plans to enter the Pacific Northwest market, an area previously untapped by the brand.
Corner Bakery is also eyeing potential expansion in existing markets like Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas. This dual approach of strengthening presence in familiar territories while branching out to new regions shows a balanced growth strategy. The cafe chain faces increasing operational costs like many in the industry, but remains committed to expansion despite these challenges.
Financial Performance Fueling Growth
The impressive renovations and expansion plans are backed by solid financial performance. Corner Bakery Cafe reported a $200,000 increase in system Average Unit Volume (AUV) over just six months in 2023. This significant jump in per-store performance indicates that the brand’s strategies are resonating with customers and generating increased revenue.
Current AUV stands at approximately $2 million per store, with expectations for continued growth. The company has been experiencing close to double-digit sales increases monthly, a remarkable achievement in the competitive cafe and bakery sector. These strong financial indicators validate the direction the company is taking under its new leadership.
Since the June 2023 acquisition, the company has reinvested $6.2 million back into the business. This substantial reinvestment demonstrates confidence in the brand’s potential and provides the capital needed to fund both renovations and expansions. The company’s focus on specialty bread offerings has helped drive customer interest and differentiate its menu from competitors.
Embracing New Technology
Corner Bakery Cafe is modernizing beyond just physical appearances by testing innovative technologies designed to enhance customer experiences. The company has partnered with Stingray Business and Bite to implement kiosk ordering technology, with a pilot program launched in two Dallas-Fort Worth locations during Q1 2024. This technology integration aims to create a more efficient ordering process while maintaining the personal touch that customers appreciate.
The goals for these technological enhancements include providing quicker ordering options, improving operational efficiency, and creating a frictionless experience for customers. Beyond improved customer satisfaction, these innovations also offer new revenue opportunities and potential labor cost reductions, addressing some of the key challenges facing the food service industry today.
This investment in technology demonstrates the company’s forward-thinking approach and willingness to evolve with changing consumer preferences. Modern customers increasingly expect convenient digital options alongside traditional service methods. The cafe chain has shown commitment to strategic capital investments that position it for future growth and customer satisfaction.
Leadership and Staff Development Initiatives
At the helm of Corner Bakery Cafe’s transformation is Chris Dharod, who serves as both SSCP President and Corner Bakery Cafe CEO. Under his leadership, the company has brought back experienced industry veterans like Erin Hasselgren, who returned as COO bringing 18 years of experience with the brand. This blend of fresh perspective and deep institutional knowledge helps balance innovation with the core values that made the brand successful.
The leadership team also includes Bob Hartmann as VP of Development, who previously served as VP of real estate and franchise development. This experienced leadership team has implemented improved training programs that focus on getting “back to basics” – ensuring consistent quality and service across all locations. They understand that bakery efficiency improvements must be matched with well-trained staff who can deliver exceptional customer experiences.
The company has also introduced new recognition programs and employee incentives, with a particular focus on career growth opportunities. These initiatives help attract and retain talented staff in an industry known for high turnover rates. By investing in people alongside physical renovations and technological improvements, Corner Bakery Cafe is building a sustainable business model that can support its ambitious growth plans.
As Corner Bakery Cafe continues its nationwide modernization and expansion efforts, it’s clear the company is taking a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the brand. From physical renovations to technological innovations and staff development, every aspect of the business is being examined and improved. With strong financial performance already validating these strategies, the cafe chain appears well-positioned to achieve its goal of updating all cafes by 2027 while continuing to grow its presence across the United States.