Corner Bakery

The fast-casual chain, which emerged from bankruptcy last year, says its sales have surged in recent months. It has brought on new executives and expects to open units this year.

After years of steady decline, the fast-casual brand appears to be in a death spiral of unpaid bills, legal filings and angry customers. Even in a world as forgiving as restaurants, it may be impossible for the chain to come back.

Jay Pandya took over Corner Bakery during the pandemic in 2020. He demanded tough cost cuts, and refused to pay bills. Employees left in droves. Workers were locked out of stores. And the company’s lender accused him of using the company as a “piggy bank.”