Paris Baguette

When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hongrickett/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=this-power-couple-works-side-by-side-to-run-their-successful-paris-baguette-franchises-2725161" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hong</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowenkou/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=this-power-couple-works-side-by-side-to-run-their-successful-paris-baguette-franchises-2725161" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bowen Kou</a> 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.&nbsp;After witnessing Bowen's success with&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a>, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=this-power-couple-works-side-by-side-to-run-their-successful-paris-baguette-franchises-2725161" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paris Baguette</a> 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<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=this-power-couple-works-side-by-side-to-run-their-successful-paris-baguette-franchises-2725161" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://ownaparisbaguette.com</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.</a>

How Paris Baguette Franchisees Partner in Life and Business

1851 Franchise

In addition to politics and charity work, Hong and Bowen Kou stay busy running three Paris Baguette cafés and nine grocery stores across seven states. They credit a shared mission and vision for their continued success.

This brand page has been paid for by PARIS BAGUETTE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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

this-power-couple-works-side-by-side-to-run-their-successful-paris-baguette-franchises

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette Expanding

How Paris Baguette Innovates

Why Franchisees Love Paris Baguette

Learn

Visit Website

PARIS BAGUETTE

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

SOCIAL MEDIA

Paris Baguette Celebrates Record Growth With 163 New Franchises Awarded, Sets Sights on 100+ Café Openings in 2025

Bakery Franchise: Top 4 Traits of a Successful Paris Baguette Franchisee

Paris Baguette North America Announces Expansion With First North American Manufacturing Plant in Texas

PARIS BAGUETTE MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE

CONTACT PARIS BAGUETTE

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City Of Interest

State Of Interest

Country

Net Worth

Liquidity

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Young Entrepreneur Parth Patel Is Bringing Paris Baguette to the Cleveland Area

young-entrepreneur-parth-patel-is-bringing-paris-baguette-to-the-cleveland-area

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ratnakar Pingili, Harisha Gunna and Smitha Suravaram

From Family Bakery in India to Paris Baguette in Texas: How Three First-Time Owners Are Bringing Fresh-Baked Dreams to Fort Worth

paris-baguette-fort-worth-family-bakery

Photo of person in Paris Baguette café passing cake over countertop

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Paris Baguette Café?

paris-baguette-franchise-cost-2025

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Photo of array of Paris Baguette pastries

Paris Baguette Redefines Morning Routines With Fresh Breakfast and Premium Coffee Strategy

paris-baguette-breakfast-strategy-growth

Photo of table of pastries and donuts in Paris Baguette

IndyStar: Bakery Café Paris Baguette Expanding to Indiana. What’s on the Menu?

paris-baguette-expands-to-indiana

Photo of Paris Baguette Chief Development Officer Nick Scaccio

Paris Baguette Announces Nick Scaccio as New Chief Development Officer

paris-baguette-promotes-nick-scaccio-chief-development-officer

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS