Corner Bakery Cafe expands Chicago footprint with Accenture Tower relaunch

Corner Bakery Cafe is returning to one of its most high-profile locations in downtown Chicago, reopening its Accenture Tower location at Ogilvie Transportation Center on March 24. This relaunch signals the brand’s continued investment in key urban markets, particularly in its founding city, where it maintains the highest concentration of stores nationwide.

The revived Corner Bakery Cafe will serve the thousands of commuters and professionals who pass through Ogilvie Transportation Center each day, bringing back its signature breakfast scramblers, handcrafted sandwiches, fresh salads, and scratch-made soups. Situated on the second floor of Accenture Tower, the cafe aims to re-establish itself as a convenient stop for Chicago’s bustling workforce, reinforcing the brand’s longstanding reputation for fresh, high-quality meals in a fast-casual setting.

Why Is Corner Bakery Cafe Reopening at Accenture Tower?

The reopening of the Accenture Tower location is part of Corner Bakery Cafe’s broader efforts to rejuvenate its presence in urban centers while catering to shifting dining habits. With Chicago’s commuter traffic rebounding in the wake of hybrid work adjustments, the need for quick, freshly prepared meals has resurged. Ogilvie Transportation Center, one of the busiest transit hubs in the Midwest, serves over 100,000 passengers daily, making it a prime location for a grab-and-go concept that aligns with the brand’s core offerings.

“Chicago is where it all started for Corner Bakery Cafe, and we are thrilled to bring this location back to life,” said Erin Hasselgren, President of Corner Bakery Cafe. “Our presence at Ogilvie Transportation Center allows us to reconnect with the commuters and office workers who have always been part of our customer base. We look forward to continuing our tradition of offering high-quality, handcrafted meals in the heart of the city.”

What Special Offers Will Guests Find at the Grand Reopening?

To celebrate the return of its Accenture Tower location, Corner Bakery Cafe is introducing exclusive promotions for early visitors. The first 100 guests will receive a branded travel tumbler with free coffee refills for a year, a promotion designed to reward loyal customers and reinforce the cafe’s reputation for premium, made-to-order coffee.

Additionally, guests can enter two major giveaways. One offers a chance to win free paninis for a year, highlighting the cafe’s expertise in grilled-to-order sandwiches. The other provides a Catering Corner Classic Order, appealing to corporate clients and local businesses looking for fresh catering options.

At 2 p.m. on March 24, the grand reopening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a signature Cinnamon Creme Cake-cutting event, reinforcing the brand’s heritage while celebrating its return to the Chicago Loop.

How Is Corner Bakery Cafe Expanding Its Footprint in Chicago?

The Accenture Tower location is the latest step in Corner Bakery Cafe’s continued investment in Chicago, where it operates five additional cafes, making the city its most concentrated market. The reopening follows the successful 2024 launch of a Union Station location, strategically placing the brand within two of Chicago’s busiest train stations.

“Being inside Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station means we are directly serving the city’s commuter core,” said Hasselgren. “Chicago ranks second only to New York City in commuter rail service in the U.S., and we are proud to offer fresh, made-to-order meals to those arriving in the city every day.”

With a total of fourteen locations in Illinois, the brand is reinforcing its presence where it all began in 1991. Originally launched in downtown Chicago as a small neighborhood bakery specializing in artisan breads and freshly baked goods, Corner Bakery Cafe has since expanded into a nationwide fast-casual chain, retaining its commitment to quality, scratch-made meals.

What Role Does This Reopening Play in Corner Bakery Cafe’s Growth Strategy?

The return to Accenture Tower is part of Corner Bakery Cafe’s larger initiative to modernize and expand its footprint. Since its acquisition in June 2023, the brand has undergone a significant revitalization effort, investing over $6.2 million in store remodels, technology upgrades, and new openings.

Recent renovations at seven locations—one in Pennsylvania and six in California—were completed between October 2024 and January 2025, featuring redesigned interiors, refreshed seating areas, and an enhanced guest experience. The company’s ongoing commitment includes plans to invest an additional $500,000 in 2025 to update more cafes, primarily in Illinois and Pennsylvania, with a long-term goal of modernizing all locations by 2027.

“Our goal is to provide a warm, inviting space that enhances the overall dining experience,” said Chris Dharod, CEO of Corner Bakery Cafe. “The updates, along with our new self-ordering kiosks, are designed to make ordering easier while maintaining the high-quality food our guests expect.”

What’s Next for Corner Bakery Cafe?

Beyond remodels, Corner Bakery Cafe is pursuing aggressive expansion. The Accenture Tower location follows the launch of corporate locations at Union Station in Chicago and Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., both of which opened in July 2024. These three major openings represent an investment of more than $1 million, demonstrating the company’s long-term commitment to urban markets.

Further expansion includes a new corporate-owned location in Irvine, California, set to open in May 2025. Meanwhile, franchise growth remains a key component of the brand’s strategy, with the latest addition being a new franchise cafe in El Paso, Texas, which opened in February 2025 under Bakery Ventures, led by franchise owner Tyson Duncan.

“Corner Bakery Cafe has always been about bringing people together over fresh, handcrafted meals,” Duncan stated. “Our investment ensures that we continue to provide the quality and service our guests expect while growing in new markets.”

How Will the Accenture Tower Location Serve Guests?

Following the grand reopening, the Accenture Tower location will operate under the following hours:

• Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

With a focus on fresh ingredients, high-quality coffee, and convenient service, the cafe aims to cater to both local professionals and travelers arriving in Chicago’s business district. The strategic relaunch reflects Corner Bakery Cafe’s ability to adapt to consumer demands while staying true to its roots as a neighborhood favorite.

As the brand continues its national expansion, its presence at Ogilvie Transportation Center serves as a reminder of its Chicago heritage—a return to where it all began, with a vision for continued growth in the years ahead.