Flower Shop Owner Brings Paris Baguette Franchise to Oklahoma City

After a visit to Paris, where she admired the cafe and bakery culture, Vivian Tran decided to invest in the Paris Baguette* franchise. With several years of experience already under her belt and prioritizing her own coffee and quiet time, this investment is her chance to offer a little piece of Europe in the southern U.S.

Recently, Tran spoke with 1851 Franchise about the upcoming opening of her Paris Baguette location in Wichita, Oklahoma.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Tran: I opened a business in 1999, when I was 20 years old. It’s still successful now. On top of that, I acquired several commercial and residence properties.

Around December 2019, I stopped in San Jose and saw a Paris Baguette in the mall, but didn’t think of it as a business opportunity at the time. Then Wichita had one open a few years ago; I tried it out and I really liked it. I decided to dig into it a little bit and find out more about it as a franchise. Then, I went to Paris in March last spring and tried authentic Paris bakery items. Wichita’s version tasted almost identical, which piqued my interest. 

After spending many mornings at the location in Wichita, I realized I really liked the atmosphere, so I considered adding it to my portfolio. My sister visited me often from Oklahamo, and she didn’t have a Paris Baguette where she lived. She loved going with me when she came to visit. I realized I couldn’t do a Paris Baguette in Wichita because that location already existed, but I could do one in Oklahoma City. It was less than three hours away. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Tran: I wanted to start a business. But, with my busy career, doing so independently would take too much time. I also have a family and children, so I am really busy. Franchising fit perfectly because the brand was already developed, with a strong national and global reputation. 

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Tran: The brand suits my personality. Something I do for myself is sit down with a cup of coffee and relax for 30 minutes before I start my day. Life can be stressful, but this helps me enjoy it and relax. 

When I went to Paris, I saw people regularly sitting down and enjoying a cup of coffee. I think Paris Baguette promotes this mentality and gives people a reason to sit, relax and enjoy themselves. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Tran: I have so many ideas in my mind for growth. Even when I’m sleeping, my brain never sleeps. I hope to open multiple locations in Oklahoma over the next couple of years. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Tran: I want people to understand my sense of imagination. I own a flower shop, and Paris Baguette allows me to add my personal touch. I would like to dress up my Paris Baguette location with flowers to make it feel personal and more local. 

I think creating a nice environment encourages people to stay longer. By making it pretty and decorative, I think people will feel more relaxed and they will enjoy their time there. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Tran: Paris Baguette seemed like the perfect fit for me because I love coffee, pastries and cake. I felt passionate about it, and that's what I would tell other potential franchisees: Look into your heart, and pick a franchise that suits you. It is not just about money. It’s also about energy, time and passion. 

The total investment to franchise with Paris Baguette ranges from $652,565 to $1,750,900, including a $50,000 franchise fee. For more information, please visit parisbaguette.com/franchising/.

ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE

Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The brand first started franchising in 2015 in the U.S. and has since established more than 125 locations in markets across the country, making it one of the premier franchise opportunities in its category. Paris Baguette’s primary mission, executed every day by its expert staff of bakers, cakers and baristas, is to share moments of joy with customers and help customers share moments of joy with their friends and family by providing world-class cakes, pastries, coffees, breads and other French-inspired bakery café fare. For more information, please visit parisbaguette.com/franchising/.