DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe is accelerating its growth strategy with the addition of a new franchise partner, marking its first franchisee since 2017 and a key milestone in the brand’s refranchising efforts.
Harkanwar “Nanu” Gill has taken ownership of the Corner Bakery Cafe location in West Bountiful, Utah, becoming the brand’s ninth franchisee and expanding Corner Bakery’s franchised footprint to 30 locations out of 90 total cafes. The West Bountiful location serves guests across Davis County and the greater Salt Lake City region.
Gill brings deep local roots and extensive restaurant experience to the role. A Utah resident since 2012, he has developed a strong connection to the Salt Lake City business community and a firsthand understanding of the region’s growth. Having grown up in a family-owned Denny’s business, he gained hands-on experience across every level of restaurant operations beginning in high school. He currently oversees a diverse family restaurant portfolio, providing strategic leadership and operational support across multiple locations.
“We’re excited to welcome Nanu to the Corner Bakery Cafe family as we continue building momentum in our expansion efforts,” said Erin Hasselgreen, president of Corner Bakery Cafe. “Bringing in experienced operators like Nanu is key to our long-term growth, and we’re focused on expanding with partners who share our commitment to quality, hospitality, and community.”
For Gill, the opportunity represents both a continuation of his experience in the restaurant industry and a chance to grow with a brand focused on quality and guest experience.
“I’ve always believed in the power of restaurants to bring people together, and Corner Bakery Cafe has a strong reputation for quality and community,” said Gill. “Coming from a family-owned restaurant background, it was important to me to partner with a brand that shares those values, and I’m excited to continue building that connection with guests in Utah.”
Corner Bakery Cafe currently operates approximately 90 locations nationwide, with 30 franchised cafes and a growing pipeline of franchise opportunities as part of its long-term growth strategy.
For more information, visit cornerbakerycafe.com or follow Corner Bakery Cafe on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
ABOUT CORNER BAKERY CAFE
Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant serving kitchen-crafted breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering to guests in 18 states and Washington, D.C. In 1991, inspired by fresh ingredients, the small neighborhood bakery on a corner in downtown Chicago began creating artisan breads and freshly baked sweets. For over 30 years, Corner Bakery Cafes have been neighborhood favorites. Founded on a philosophy of creating a warm and comfortable place for people to relax with friends, family, and neighbors, the restaurants feature artisan-inspired, seasonal menu options made with fresh ingredients, while delivering a premier bakery experience in the heart of neighborhoods across the nation. Corner Bakery Cafe is owned by an affiliate of SSCP, a Dallas-based enterprise and an award-winning leader in the restaurant industry. To learn more, visit cornerbakerycafe.com or follow Corner Bakery Cafe on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.