This Power Couple Works Side-by-Side to Run Their Successful Paris Baguette Franchises

When Hong and Bowen Kou met, Hong was working in a corporate role and Bowen was an entrepreneur with a work flexibility that allowed him to cater to Hong’s stricter schedule. As they spent more and more time together, Hong became interested in entrepreneurship and began exploring what it could mean for her. 

After witnessing Bowen's success with Paris Baguette, the global bakery café franchise with 150-plus units across the U.S., she thought the brand could be a good fit for her, too. The pair now own three Paris Baguette cafés and nine grocery stores across seven states, all while making time for family, travel and even political aspirations.

“After I met Hong, I moved to Florida. Since I ran businesses, I was able to convince her to drop out from corporate life to become a small business owner, too,” said Bowen. “We signed an agreement for a Paris Baguette in Florida, but in addition to that, I’m running for Florida State Senate, and we have hobbies. It’s a busy life, but it’s an interesting one.”

Because Hong and Bowen’s Florida and Texas bakery cafés are still in development, they require a bit more attention from the duo than the already-operational North Carolina café and the well-established grocery stores.

Hong recognized that many people view this level of entrepreneurship—especially in the context of working with family—as challenging. For them, however, these opportunities are just a way to grow their partnership.

“We’ve been really busy, but the thing that keeps he and I together is that we have a common goal,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how busy we are or how we have to structure our life to get to that end goal. At the end of the day, most of our interests are shared, and we both help each other. He helps me as a new small business owner, but I also give him knowledge from all of the things I’ve learned to help him grow his business.”

Each day, the two work side-by-side at an extra-long desk, sharing the ups and downs of the work day and collaborating to further strengthen all of the businesses when possible. And, when something is needed at the Florida Paris Baguette location, the two can go to the café together to resolve any issues or provide necessary support.

These practices are valuable and work to support the life they are pursuing, but the couple agrees that successful business ownership is not their only aspiration or “final destination.”

“Business is my livelihood. We have a family and bills to pay. But my political aspirations are my mission. I want to live life with purpose and make a difference,” explained Bowen. “I can’t chase my dream without a livelihood, so I have to do both, and a balance has to be struck. Those two goals are helping each other.”

“We understand that we need money to help us achieve our common goal, which is to make a difference for the people around us and in our community,” added Hong. “But making a successful business career is just another common goal. It’s a tool to help us achieve our final goal.”

Last year, Hong and Bowen launched a local nonprofit organization that partners with other groups in the community to support those in need. Because the nonprofit is largely driven by contributions from the pair’s own businesses, their local impact increases as their portfolio grows, and they are even more fulfilled.

In all aspects of their life, Hong and Bowen work as true partners pursuing a shared goal. Whether they are running their businesses, launching a local nonprofit, running for office or adventuring in Europe, their collaboration and continuous connection propels them forward.

“Through working together and sharing a life together, my biggest lesson has been that being together is never a bad thing for us,” said Hong. “We sit side-by-side to work, and I feel like I get more connections with him daily. I really enjoy seeing him all the time, working together, challenging each other and enjoying our successes together.”

The total investment to franchise with Paris Baguette ranges from $652,565 to $1,750,900 including a $50,000 franchise fee. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://ownaparisbaguette.com or  https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.