Corner Bakery Cafe to Open 27 Locations with Two New Franchise Partners Helping to Double the Size of the Current System by 2014

Corner Bakery Cafe’s franchise development program sees continued success with today’s announcement of two new franchise partners, South Florida-based CB Rest Holdings, LLC and California-based Preferred Hospitality, Inc. Corner Bakery Cafe will work with CB Rest Holdings, LLC to open 15 cafes in South Florida in the next eight years and Preferred Hospitality, Inc. to open 12 locations in Southern California within the next seven years. These partnerships contribute to a list of recently confirmed franchise locations that will more than double the current Corner Bakery Cafe system. Additionally, partnering with CB Rest Holdings, LLC allows Corner Bakery Cafe to enter Florida for the first time.

“We hold ourselves to very high standards when it comes to serving guests, and it’s easy to see, with its focus on quality, that Corner Bakery possesses these same values. We are tremendously excited to join forces with such a highly-successful operation.”

“From the east coast to the west, partnering with CB Rest Holdings and Preferred Hospitality allows us to continue to meet our cross-country expansion goals with two highly-respected and successful organizations,” said Bob Hartmann, Corner Bakery Cafe vice president of franchise development. “Furthermore, these partnerships give us the opportunity to introduce our signature offerings to South Florida neighborhoods as well as expand our presence in the Southern California market. After launching our strategic franchise development program less than four years ago, we are excited to see how much we’ve grown and how much we will continue to grow with amazing partnerships like these.”

“We are extremely proud to join the Corner Bakery Cafe team,” said Jhonny Mercado, chairman of CB Rest Holdings, LLC, a multi-concept restaurateur with over 25 years of industry experience in Florida, Mexico and South America. “We hold ourselves to very high standards when it comes to serving guests, and it’s easy to see, with its focus on quality, that Corner Bakery possesses these same values. We are tremendously excited to join forces with such a highly-successful operation.”

CB Rest Holdings, LLC is slated to open 15 cafes throughout South Florida in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. In addition to Corner Bakery Cafe, Mercado’s team has developed its own brand, Migas Cafes, and operates over 120 locations for restaurant chains including Wendy’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, Sukihana and Pizza Hut in South Florida, Mexico and South America.

“A nationally recognized brand, Corner Bakery Cafe supports our commitment to delivering superior quality food and an affordable, fast casual dining experience to the residents of Inland Empire,” said Rodney Couch, founder and president of Preferred Hospitality, Inc. “As a local entrepreneur, I am pleased to offer this premier brand to our Southern California guests and friends.”

Expected to open its first Corner Bakery Cafe location in 2011, Preferred Hospitality, Inc. is currently working to identify real estate within the Southern California market. Preferred Hospitality, Inc. also operates Market Broiler Restaurants, a chain of full-service fresh fish and seafood restaurants with five locations in California, and Provider Contract Food Service, which specializes in contract foodservice and provides catering for large events.

With the CB Rest Holdings, LLC and Preferred Hospitality, Inc. partnerships, CBC Restaurant Corp. has signed development agreements representing over 150 committed franchise locations, which will more than double the current Corner Bakery Cafe system.

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.

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, Salt Lake City, 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 as one of Parent Magazine’s 10 Best Fast Casual Restaurant 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.