bake - June 2014 - 52

cafe

Quality Matters More for Sandwiches
Sandwich consumption remains high. On average, consumers

indulgent sweets while providing a place to gather with family

eat more than three sandwiches per week. However, 54% of

and friends. The chain now has 165 company-owned and fran-

consumers (up from 51% two years ago), indicate they are

chised locations in 17 states and Washington, D.C.

preparing sandwiches themselves. This means operators and
suppliers will need to focus on hard-to-duplicate menu items to

To help owners and operators understand the latest behaviors,

entice consumers to purchase more sandwiches away from home.

preferences and attitudes of consumers regarding sandwiches,
Technomic has published an update of its Sandwich Consumer

Zeroing in on the quality of their sandwich ingredients is also

Trend Report. Interesting ﬁndings include the following key

essential. Compared to two years ago, today's consumers place

trends:

higher importance on quality and quantity, as well as the appetizing appearance of sandwich ingredients. Up-and-comers

* Sandwiches ﬁll the need for fast, convenient and portable

in the fast-casual segment like Jimmy Johns, Firehouse Subs

meal options: three out of every ﬁve sandwiches (61%) that

and Jersey Mike's have capitalized on these demands and are

consumers order are taken to go, and 49% of consumers

successfully competing for share of stomach with the dominant

sometimes purchase grab-and-go sandwiches.

larger players like Subway.
* Most consumers place high importance on health for sandCorner Bakery Cafe is among those aggressively pursuing

wiches at lunch (51%) and dinner (53%).

new options through strategic moves designed to enhance
the overall dining experience. Corner Bakery Cafe recently

* Further, just 43% are satisﬁed with the healthfulness of sand-

announced the appointment of franchise and restaurant

wiches away from home, while 50% would like to see more

veteran Michael Nolan as executive vice president and chief

healthy sides to pair with sandwiches.

development officer to oversee the company's rapidly-growing
franchise development program and target market strategy,
effective May 19.

* Diners would also like more restaurants to offer mini sandwiches (35% agree, up from just 26% in 2010).

Corner Bakery Cafe has a roster of 29 franchise partners with 53

"Quality sandwich ingredients are a must," said Darren Tristano,

open cafes and development commitments for more than 350

executive vice president of Technomic, Inc. "In order for sand-

locations. The fast-casual chain also has plans to expand into

wich operators to drive traffic and steal share, they have to

new markets in Alabama, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina,

strengthen the quality perception by promoting freshness and

Ohio and South Carolina. Corner Bakery Cafe's made-to-order

customization opportunities, while giving guests a more inter-

menu features hot breakfast scramblers, signature panini and

esting range of toppings, breads and proteins that emphasize

sandwiches, homemade soups, hand-tossed salads, pastas and

variety." JOHN U N R EIN

52 < JUN 2014 | bakemag.com

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bake - June 2014

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