Corner Bakery Cafe recently celebrated the opening of three new locations inside the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as the popular fast-casual chain begins targeting non-traditional venues (NTV) as part of its overall national expansion strategy.
The new locations at Terminal T (Gate 3), Terminal T (Gate 13) and Terminal D (Gate 11) are the first Corner Bakery Cafes to open with veteran hospitality operator PhaseNext Hospitality which has exclusive NTV development rights in five separate airport environments over the next several years.
"We are thrilled to bring the premier bakery cafe experience of Corner Bakery Cafe to the Hartsfield-Jackson community," said PhaseNext Hospitality President and Chief Executive Officer, Roz Mallet. "With our freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner selections, it's the perfect option for the hungry traveler to 'Feed the Day' at Corner Bakery Cafe."
Mallet recently joined representatives from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Delaware North Hospitality Services for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new non-traditional venue.
With more than 160 company-owned and franchised locations nationwide now open, and franchise development agreements representing commitments for more than 300 additional cafes, Corner Bakery Cafe will more than double its U.S. footprint over the next three to four years. That expansion will now include airports, college campuses and other non-traditional venues.
"Today's consumers are demanding higher quality and healthier dining options regardless of the venue," said Gregg Koffler, Vice President of Franchise Sales for Corner Bakery Cafe. "The Corner Bakery Cafe concept's flexible footprint of 1,500 to 4,500 square feet easily transitions into almost any setting while still offering a wide range of menu options. In keeping with our neighborhood theme, we expect the new airport cafe to quickly become a favorite gathering place for travelers into and out of the airport."
The main restaurant in Terminal T (Gate 3) occupies 1,500 square feet and features Corner Bakery Cafe's made-to-order menu items, including hot breakfast scramblers, signature paninis and sandwiches, homemade soups, hand-tossed salads, pastas and indulgent sweets. Additionally, the two kiosk locations will serve Terminal D (Gate 11) and Terminal T (Gate 13).
With a *$2.3 million average annual unit sales volume (AAV) and outstanding unit level economics, Corner Bakery Cafe has become one of the fastest growing concepts in the fast-casual restaurant category, attracting some of the most successful veteran professionals in the restaurant industry.
