Corner Bakery Cafe Continues Aggressive Franchise Growth, Partnering with Respected Industry Leader

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Despite the economic downturn, Corner Bakery Cafe’s strategic franchise development program continues to prove successful, as the national bakery cafe brand announced a partnership with S&B Development, Inc. today to open 11 franchise-operated locations in San Diego, Calif. by 2016.

“In a time when many brands are challenged to find franchise partners and available financing, we are especially pleased to expand our franchise presence with restaurant veterans like Steve Fricker, one of the most respected leaders in our industry”

“With 32 years of restaurant industry experience, including my time as a Panera Bread franchisee, I had the opportunity to study, in depth, both the fast-casual bakery cafe segment and Corner Bakery Cafe itself,” says Steven Fricker, partner in S&B Development, Inc. “I’ve always admired the brand for its appeal across all meal-times, serving guests breakfast, lunch, dinner & dessert options as well as its nationally recognized catering program. I’m excited to be part of a brand that, even in today’s economy, continues to expand, and with San Diego in mind specifically, I believe there is significant growth opportunity.”

“In a time when many brands are challenged to find franchise partners and available financing, we are especially pleased to expand our franchise presence with restaurant veterans like Steve Fricker, one of the most respected leaders in our industry,” said Mike Hislop, Corner Bakery Cafe CEO. “We’ve seen a lot of success with our current San Diego locations, and with the leadership of Steve and his partner, Bob Carson, we’re excited to extend our signature menu offerings to an even-larger San Diego base.”

In addition to Fricker’s experience in the bakery cafe industry, he previously served as an Outback Steakhouse senior executive and was a founding partner in the California franchisee for Outback. He started his industry career with fast food chain, Jack in the Box, where he served in various senior management positions over a 15-year period. He has developed over 100 restaurants within the California markets, and is the immediate past chairman of the board of the California Restaurant Association and was recognized with his Outback Steakhouse partner as Operator of the Year in 2002 by the California Restaurant Association’s Education Foundation. Working alongside Fricker is his business partner, Bob Carson. Carson has 35 years of experience in shopping center development and is eager to bring his business sophistication and knowledge of the San Diego real estate market to the Corner Bakery Cafe expansion initiative.

Known for its innovative menu featuring a wide variety of made-to-order egg scramblers and oatmeals for breakfast, flavorful sandwiches, savory panini, hot soups and signature salads for lunch and dinner, fresh baked goods for dessert and an extensive catering menu, Corner Bakery Cafe has been delighting guests nationwide with fresh, handcrafted selections in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for over 18 years. Guests can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi.

From a small bread bakery on a corner in downtown Chicago to a national cornerstone of fast casual dining, Corner Bakery Cafe opened its first location in 1991 and now operates more than 115 locations across the country. In October 2006, CBC Restaurant Corp. launched a strategic franchise development program. One of the most competitive in the industry, the program is designed to attract potential franchise partners who have relevant multi-unit restaurant experience and have received “best-in-class” recognition within the industry. With the S&B Development, Inc. partnership, CBC Restaurant Corp has a total of 125 committed new franchise locations, more than doubling the current Corner Bakery Cafe system.

About Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Jackson, Miss., Los Angeles/Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego and Washington D.C. Established in 1991, Corner Bakery Cafe restaurants are owned and operated by CBC Restaurant Corp. with more than 115 company-owned and franchised locations around the country.

Founded on a philosophy of creating a place for people to relax and gather with family and friends, Corner Bakery Cafe offers a casual atmosphere featuring innovative, seasonal menu options ranging from hot breakfasts and signature panini to handcrafted salads, sandwiches and mouthwatering sweets. Recognized by Health Magazine as one of 2009’s healthiest quick-serve chains, and Parents magazine as one of the best fast casual dining experiences for families with young children, Corner Bakery Cafe offers dine-in, to-go and catering service for any occasion. Corner Bakery Cafe delivers a premier bakery cafe experience in the heart of neighborhoods everywhere. For more information, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com, become a fan of the Corner Bakery Cafe Facebook page, or follow Corner Bakery Cafe on Twitter @cornerbakery.

About S&B Development, Inc.

Based in Del Mar, Calif. and founded in 2009, S&B Development’s two partners combine the extensive restaurant industry experience of Steven Fricker with the business savvy of California real estate expert, Bob Carson. S&B Development plans to grow the company into a major best of class independent Southern California restaurant company.

Fricker’s experience in the restaurant industry includes serving in senior executive positions at Outback Steakhouse, Jack in the Box Inc., and Daphne’s Greek Cafe and as a partner with the California franchisee for Outback Steakhouse. He was also a franchisee for Panera Bread. He has developed over 100 restaurants within the California markets and is the immediate past chairman of the board of the California Restaurant Association. Carson previously served as a partner in the commercial real estate development firm of Wall Street Property Company, where he helped develop over 20 shopping centers throughout the Western United States.