Corner Bakery Cafe Launches "Stay Local" Summer Program Celebrating Locally Sourced Produce and Locally Sourced Fun.

Community Gardens Across the Nation to Benefit from New "Stay Local" Initiative

DALLAS -- With Americans vacationing less this summer, according to a recent Associated Press poll, Corner Bakery Cafe today introduced its "Stay Local" program, encouraging guests to explore and rediscover summer fun in their very own neighborhoods. Whether it is visiting their hometown's oldest theme park, volunteering for a community project or just lounging in their backyard pools, guests are invited to fan Corner Bakery Cafe's new Facebook page, facebook.com/CornerBakeryCafe, and share their "stay local" summer ideas, photos and videos on the Facebook wall. As a thank you, Corner Bakery Cafe will offer participants a complimentary summer sweet with the purchase of a BBLT sandwich or any other lunch or dinner entree at participating locations. Some cafe guests will also be randomly selected to receive free BBLTs and other special menu items throughout the summer.

Doing its own part to "Stay Local", Corner Bakery Cafe is using locally sourced tomatoes in its popular summer item, the BBLT, a double-bacon twist on the classic BLT sandwich dressed with cracked pepper balsamic mayo. From July 1 to September 7, a portion of the proceeds from every BBLT sandwich sold will go toward Corner Bakery Cafe's newly established Community Garden Grant. At the end of the summer, donations will be made to 15 designated community gardens in Corner Bakery Cafe neighborhoods for the tools necessary to cultivate not only fresh vegetables, but also a sense of community and accomplishment.

"We're staying local this summer by celebrating fresh locally-sourced produce with the establishment of Corner Bakery Cafe's first-ever Community Garden Grant," said Ric Scicchitano, Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage. "And, as families rediscover how much fun their own communities can be, we'd love to know what our guests are doing to embrace 'staying local' in the neighborhoods we serve."

"It was such a pleasant surprise to hear that we were selected to receive a grant from the Corner Bakery Cafe," said Madalene Stevens, President of the Temple Garden in Washington, D.C. "We're so fortunate to be able to garden in the city, and this contribution is especially meaningful because it's from a local business that buys local produce; what a wonderful cause."

Known for its innovative menu featuring a wide variety of egg Scramblers and oatmeals for breakfast, flavorful sandwiches and signature panini, hot soups, signature salads, fresh baked goods and an extensive catering menu, Corner Bakery Cafe has been delighting guests nationwide with fresh, made-to-order food options in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for over 17 years. With over 50 handcrafted menu items under $7, Corner Bakery Cafe offers customers both variety and value. 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 100 locations across the country.

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 100 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.

Related Links:

1. Americans Vacationing Less This Summer - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09160/969562-37.stm

2. Corner Bakery Cafe - http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/

3. Corner Bakery Cafe Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/CornerBakeryCafe

4. 15 Designated Community Gardens - http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/GuestRelations.aspx

5. Ric Scicchitano - http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/Press/CornerBakeryBios/biosdetail.aspx?BiosId=17

6. Temple Garden in Washington, D.C. - http://www.geocities.com/templegardeners/

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