Hasselgren Contributed to the Fast-Casual Bakery Chain’s Initial Franchising Efforts
Corner Bakery Cafe, a Dallas-based fast-casual, counter-serve cafe franchise, has promoted Erin Hasselgren to president. Previously serving as chief operating officer, he now will oversee Corner Bakery Cafe’s future expansion, manage day-to-day planning and more.
“Corner Bakery Cafe is a one-of-a-kind bakery cafe. We can be proud of the food we serve and do it with a smile,” said Hasselgren, who joined the brand in 1998. He contributed to Corner Bakery Café’s initial franchising as area director in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia from 2005 until 2007 by helping transfer the Philadelphia corporate locations to The Rose Group, which became Corner Bakery Cafe’s first franchisee.
Hasselgren continued with the brand as regional director and ultimately as regional vice president of operations before leaving Corner Bakery Café in 2016. He then served in executive positions with Cracker Barrel, Portillo’s and Burger King before returning to Corner Bakery in 2023.
“After my departure from Corner Bakery Cafe in 2016, many team members reached out to me and encouraged me to return, so the people really attracted me back. Since returning in June 2023, I have seen that the heart and soul of the brand are still present, and our valuable team members are still in place,” Hasselgren said.
Hasselgren’s return coincided with SSCP Management’s acquisition of the fast-casual bakery franchise. “The SSCP team has experience as franchisees and franchisors, and founder and CEO Sunil Dharod and his son, Chris, are both longtime restaurant operators. The organization stays extremely personal and close to the business, takes care of its teams and goes out of its way to make them feel special. Most importantly, SSCP runs every brand like a family-run business with lock-tight systems, processes and engagement.”
Chris Dharod, SSCP president and Corner Bakery Cafe CEO, said Hasselgren’s experience makes him a great fit. “Erin’s experience and strategic approach to rebuilding and growing the brand makes him the perfect choice to take Corner Bakery Cafe into the future,” Dharod said. “His dedication to our vision and exceptional leadership qualities have been evident in the outstanding results he has delivered over the past year, proving him to be an invaluable asset. We are confident that under Erin’s leadership, our beloved brand will continue to thrive and grow as a leader in the restaurant industry.”
A Restaurant Enthusiast
Hasselgren said his love of restaurants stems from his earliest work experience in country clubs around McHenry County, Ill. He took on any job the general manager gave him, and he eventually developed a knack for hospitality and building camaraderie with teams, which he has continued to utilize throughout his career, he added.
“I really enjoy visiting with franchises and learning from them, as they are a huge source of inspiration and foster innovation,” he said. “I see Corner Bakery Cafe gaining back the foothold we once had in every neighborhood we were once part of and then growing beyond. You can enjoy our food every day of the week. Our menu is so diverse that you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner with family and friends at a good value.”
In his personal life, Hasselgren enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also visits downtown Chicago for dining and exploring, goes mountain biking, restores classic trucks and maintains his marine reef aquarium.
About Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe was established in downtown Chicago in 1991. The fast-casual restaurant franchise is now in 18 states and Washington, D.C. Popular menu items include the Chicken Pomodori Panini, Pesto Cavatappi and Cinnamon Creme Cake.
