Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Neighborhood Corner Bakery Cafe - Fresh Meals & Catering
Corner Bakery Cafe was founded in 1991 in Chicago, Illinois, with a vision to create a community-centered dining experience rooted in culinary craftsmanship. Our journey began with artisan bread-making in the kitchens of Maggiano's and has evolved into a beloved national brand known for handcrafted sandwiches, vibrant salads, and comforting soups. We prioritize quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and genuine hospitality, creating spaces where neighbors connect and memories are made. Our kitchens operate as culinary workshops, with chefs preparing over 40 fresh produce varieties daily and baking signature breads and pastries throughout the day. Our team, known as Breadheads, includes long-tenured bakers and service professionals dedicated to delivering consistent quality across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering services.With a focus on neighborhood connection and operational excellence, we maintain a business model that supports franchisees through site selection, training, and marketing while emphasizing community impact. Our catering platform accounts for up to 30% of sales, offering fresh, chef-crafted meals for corporate and personal events. As we expand, we remain committed to our founding values of passion, drive, ownership, and fun, ensuring every meal nourishes both body and community.
Services
Catering Services
Breakfast Menu
Lunch Specials
Dinner Options
Franchise Development
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer a handcrafted menu with multiple daypart revenue streams
- Our neighborhood-focused model builds loyal community relationships
- Catering platform accounts for up to 30% of cafe sales
- We provide comprehensive franchise support from site selection to operations
- Our business model delivers strong unit economics with 30+ years refinement
Services
Catering Services
Our catering team delivers fresh, chef-crafted meals for corporate meetings and personal celebrations. With options ranging from breakfast baskets to custom platters, we handle orders over $100 with attention to detail. The program accounts for up to 30% of cafe sales, offering reliable delivery and setup services while maintaining the same quality standards as our in-house dining.
Breakfast Menu
Available all day, our breakfast features handcrafted pancakes, egg dishes, and signature pastries. Each item uses quality ingredients prepared fresh daily in open kitchens. From classic omelets to specialty sandwiches like the Pretzel Ham or Turkey, we combine traditional favorites with innovative options while maintaining consistent quality across over 100 locations nationwide.
Lunch Specials
Our lunch menu includes signature sandwiches, vibrant salads, and hearty soups made with 40+ fresh produce varieties. Highlights like the DC Chicken Salad Sandwich and Roast Beef & Bleu combination showcase our handcrafted approach. Meals are prepared in scratch kitchens with ingredients sourced to maintain the same quality standards established since our 1991 Chicago origins.
Franchise Development
We support franchisees with site selection, construction guidance, and operational training at our Dallas headquarters. The program includes marketing assistance, supply chain access, and performance benchmarking. With over 30 years refining the model, we help qualified investors establish cafes that maintain neighborhood connection while achieving strong unit economics through multiple revenue streams.
Community Engagement
As community cornerstones, we create spaces where neighbors connect through shared dining experiences. Our approach combines urban energy with neighborhood comfort, hosting regulars and newcomers alike in environments designed to foster relationships. This commitment extends to local initiatives that reflect our founding belief in giving back to the communities where we operate.
Questions
How do I join Corner Bakery Cafe Rewards?
Sign up through our website or mobile app to start earning points on every purchase.
What catering options are available?
We offer breakfast baskets, salad boxes, sandwich platters, and custom meal solutions for events.
Can I franchise a Corner Bakery Cafe location?
Yes, we provide comprehensive support including site selection, training, and operations guidance.
Are catering orders available for pickup or delivery?
Both options are available through our online ordering system or catering contact form.
What makes Corner Bakery Cafe Cafe different?
Our scratch kitchens prepare fresh ingredients daily and create neighborhood gathering spaces.
Reviews (4)
Tania G.
Jun 17, 2022
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I came in at 9am at the lady at the counter was very rude to everyone there. When it was my turn I asked for a hazelnut ice coffee and she said we don't have it, then I was like okay we'll do you have an ice coffee and she was like yes so I said okay can we do a vanilla and she was like no we don't have it with a very bad attitude and just giving the ugliest stare, she had short grey hair older possibly Latina yuck to her customer service I just said ty and walked out and went to Starbucks.
C. D.
Jun 07, 2022
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A sad decline. I haven't been to a Corner Bakery since 2019 and met a friend there today for lunch. I cannot recall a deeper fall from grace for any other restaurant. The portions were meager and the quality of food was less than you could make at home for a fraction of the cost. I had the "Uptown Turkey Avocado, " poorly named and over-priced. A passing glance of avocado + a sad few slices of pressed turkey meat (a single layer on about half the bread) with one slice of bacon along with a wilted side Caesar.
It was a sad excuse for a sandwich and not even a meal. My friend had a simple bacon avocado scramble and the restaurant was out of potatoes as a side dish. Save yourself the time and money; go somewhere else or pack a lunch.
It was a sad excuse for a sandwich and not even a meal. My friend had a simple bacon avocado scramble and the restaurant was out of potatoes as a side dish. Save yourself the time and money; go somewhere else or pack a lunch.
Christina P.
Jun 04, 2022
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Service and coffee were great. Unfortunately the food is hospital cafeteria quality, but restaurant priced. Maybe it's just what I ordered. Scrambled eggs from a carton. Potatoes from a frozen bag. Bacon delicious. Denny's is priced the same and better quality. Yes you heard me, Denny's.
Kay C.
May 28, 2022
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The whole staff is very accommodating. We wanted to especially single out Zoe. She's friendly, efficient, thoughtful, considerate and kind. She gives top-notch 5-star service!
