The acquisition accelerates Corner Bakery’s franchise program and better positions the brand for national expansion. Roark has invested in 20 franchise businesses including 10 restaurant investments with its affiliate, FOCUS Brands. The partnership with Roark allows Corner Bakery Cafe to capitalize on the private equity firm’s widespread resources connected to its franchise investments while allowing the brand to better serve its current franchisees. Corner Bakery Cafe was an attractive investment for Roark as the brand is considered an industry leader with strong unit-level economics.
Corner Bakery Cafe launched a strategic franchise development program in 2007 to attract seasoned franchise partners with multi-unit restaurant and retail experience. To date, Corner Bakery Cafe’s major markets have been in Southern California, Texas, Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C.
The Los Angeles area is one of the brand’s largest company-owned markets. Following this acquisition, Corner Bakery Cafe is set to experience extensive development, with sights set on major cities in Northern California, New England, the Southeast and the Midwest.
Posted by Kristin 6/14/11
