Paris Baguette Opens New Texas Location
The global bakery café chain Paris Baguette opened a new location in Richardson, Texas on February 27. The opening is part of an ongoing U.S. expansion for the brand, which already has over 4,000 locations worldwide. The new café is owned and operated by a local franchisee group.
Though South Korean in origin, Paris Baguette leans into a French-inspired aesthetic, offering a wide range of pastries, breads, and cakes. The company was founded in 1988 by Hur Young-in as a subsidiary of the SPC Group and has since grown into a global chain. The brand first entered the U.S. market in 2005. The company is in the midst of an aggressive North American expansion with the goal of reaching 1,000 locations in the United States and 100 in Canada by 2030. This growth is largely fueled by a franchise model, with 70 to 80% of its franchisees operating multiple units. To support this rapid growth, Paris Baguette is investing over $200 million in a new 267,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Burleson, Texas, which is expected to create 450 jobs. The chain has recently undergone a brand redesign to create a more modern and welcoming cafe layout, positioning itself as a "neighborhood bakery café". The new store design often features wood paneling, subway tiles, and a large central island to prominently display its array of cakes and pastries, which account for 40% of its business. The aim is to create a community hub where customers can enjoy fresh goods in a warm atmosphere. Beyond baked goods, the menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and a coffee program in partnership with Lavazza. The company has seen significant sales growth in the U.S., with a 40% year-over-year increase reported in 2022, and has experienced 19 consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales.
