Update: Atlanta Bread Company to Reopen Aug. 17

UPDATE: "We are thrilled to begin serving the community again...," wrote Catherine Kearns of Atlanta Bread Company, noting that there will be plenty of free samples at the Aug. 17 opening.

Original story:

A Patch reader sent in this tip: "There are signs posted at the Atlanta Bread that they are reopening and hiring."

Severna Park Patch put a call into Atlanta Bread Company corporate headquarters, located in Atlanta, GA, to confirm. And yes, it's true—the bakery cafe will be reopening under corporate ownership in August.

Previously, the store was operated as a franchise.

There is a crew at the Severna Park location now working on the restaurant with a target opening date of Aug. 17.

"We are adding new and exciting things including an expanded menu," said Basil Couvaras, Chief Operating Officer for Atlanta Bread Company.

The new offerings will include a line of personal pizzas and more breakfast choices like eggs and omelets, Couvaras said.

On Wednesday, two corporate executives, Blaine Armstrong, vice president of operations, and Bruno Cerqueira, operation specialist, were at the cafe overseeing repairs and conducting interviews.

Once the repair work is complete, there will be new outdoor padded patio furniture, new flooring and upgraded kitchen equipment, Armstrong said.

Another new twist will be table service and WiFi that works, which was an annoyance under the former ownership. The hours of operation will also expand, said Armstrong. The restaurant will open earlier at  6 a.m. to cater to the early risers looking for breakfast and a cup of coffee. The breakfast menu will be available up to 2 p.m. daily.

"That is popular on weekends at our other locations," Armstrong said.

As for the former owner who closed the in late May as reported on Severna Park Patch, it's a mystery, at the corporate headquarters.

"I'm not 100 percent sure—they went 'MIA,'" said Couvaras.

The Atlanta Bread Company operates about 70 stores nationwide. In Anne Arundel County, there is also a store in Crofton.

The lease for the Severna Park location, in existence for about 10 years, has been signed.

"It's a good store and a good location," said Couvaras.

The eatery usually has about 40 people on the payroll to include a manager, assistant manager and cashiers. The management roles have been filled, however, there are still openings for cashiers, kitchen and servers. Call 678-994-6342 to schedule an interview.