Euna Lee Moved from London to Start Her Paris Baguette Franchise in Virginia

Euna Lee had spent over 15 years in software consulting when she decided she wanted to try something new. When her father suggested franchising, she thought on the idea. And when the opportunity to do it with Paris Baguette*, the global bakery café franchise, presented itself, it was a no-brainer. She quit her job in London, moved back to the States, and signed on the dotted line. 

Lee and her family were already familiar with the brand and had fallen in love with the products. Now they’re looking forward to opening their own Paris Baguette café this fall in Springfield, Virginia.

1851 Franchise spoke to Lee about her franchise journey with Paris Baguette and her plans for the future. 

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

Lee: I was in software consulting for many years. I was actually doing that in London for the last 15 years. I got to a point where I was getting  bored of the same office job that I've been doing for so long. And then my parents presented this idea for a franchise. In the area that we live in Virginia, Paris Baguettes are popping up, and we were very much aware of the brand already. My dad is actually the one who presented the idea of doing this as a family. So that is what prompted me to do it — I love the idea of working for myself. I decided to quit my job in London and move back to the States. 

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?

Lee: I didn’t really have any perception of it. I liked the idea that there is already a proven baseline of what works and  the franchise is there to support you. There are many franchises out there that are very successful, so I know it works. 

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

Lee: My family and I were already consumers of Paris Baguette baked goods. It’s a Korean company, so that's how we know of the brand — we’re Korean. We also love the quality of the products and have enjoyed all of the items we’ve tried. There were also two Paris Baguettes that opened in London in the last year I was there. I visited both with friends as well to introduce them to the brand! 

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

Lee: I  hope it will be a successful venture. It was a risk to change careers and start my own business. But I do have the support of my parents and  the different skills that I have learned over the years in my corporate career  can still be applied to lead me to success in this venture. I  hope for  good growth after we open the cafe. We would  definitely consider opening another location after seeing how this one goes. 

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

Lee: We are a family that was very interested in this franchise. This is an exciting opportunity to own my own business which, again, is what attracted me to the idea. We will work as a family to make it grow and be successful. 

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

Lee: I think the franchise model provides a lot of advantages to franchisees. You have the support of the franchise behind you. They want their name to succeed as well. It gives you a boost to be successful with your venture. 

ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE: 

Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The global brand first franchised in the U.S. in 2015 and has since established over 160 locations in markets across the country, making them one of the premier franchise opportunities in their category. Paris Baguette’s primary mission, executed every day by their expert staff of bakers, cakers and baristas, is to provide guests with a warm, welcoming bakery café experience that creates joy for all. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://ownaparisbaguette.com/.