Meet Rob, Franchisee of the Second COBS Bread USA Bakery!

Meet Rob Hyden, the proud new owner of COBS Bread Riverside, his second bakery and the second COBS Bread in Connecticut, USA. A baker by day, chef by night, Rob is fluent in all things culinary and especially all things fluffy and flaky. A real family business, you’ll be sure to catch one of the Hyden’s at this local bakery in old Greenwich. Get to know a little more about Rob and his journey to owning his second COBS Bread bakery.

When did you first start your COBS Bread journey? Why did you decide to open your second bakery?

I began my journey with COBS in 2014, training in Toronto, Ontario. In June of 2016, I opened my first bakery in Stamford, Connecticut.

We wanted to make sure we got it right with our first bakery location: we wanted to develop strong connections with our customers and communities while bringing them the freshest baked bread and treats. After 5 years, we were ready. We couldn’t think of a better place to open our second bakery than in the community we know and have loved for the past 12 years. An added bonus that it’s right down the street from where myself and my family lives.

What did you do before you started with COBS?

I worked in investment banking for 29 years and had the opportunity to work in Australia, Japan, England and New York.

What do you enjoy the most about being a franchisee?

I love the freedom and flexibility of owning my own business. It is even better when you can introduce a product to your community and country that is baked fresh every day, handcrafted and unlike anything I’ve ever had. It is so great to hear from our customers how much they love our products and how much joy it brings them.

I also enjoy being able to work with my family and have them be apart of this experience. It has been great to teach the ins and outs to my son, Tom, who will continue to help operate the bakery.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

I have always loved cooking. When I left my career in finance, I attended culinary school. I loved all aspects of my training, and although it was not my first time baking, I took an extra liking to bread and pastries.

What charities have you partnered with? 

We have partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Greenwich. We recognize and appreciate the local, community impact they have made, as well as their nationwide footprint. They have done so much to provide and promote safe, positive and inclusive environments for all young people. We look forward to working with them when we host Community Day and with future events.

We are also so fortunate to work with Swim Across America, who we have partnered with since we opened our first bakery in Stamford. They host charity swim events across the country, in which the proceeds fund life saving cancer research and clinical trials. We also have begun working closely with Food Rescue US, one of our End of Day Giving partners. They connect food providers with their volunteers who graciously bring surplus food to a number of different community kitchens, food pantries or charities.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to play golf and enjoy fly fishing.

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

White Flour Loaf. It is unassuming but has hidden impact in flavour!

What’s your favourite sandwich?

A roast chicken sandwich with mayonnaise, a little bit of lemon and lettuce. And although you already know my go-to loaf, the Sourdough Loaf, fresh out of the oven, is also hard to beat!

For more information:

Bakery Location: Click here