Local Pharmacist Gears Up To Open Paris Baguette Franchise in the Phoenix Community

After 15 years of entrepreneurial success in the pharmacy industry, Chetan Khatri is venturing into the world of franchising with Paris Baguette*. With its niche market appeal and wide range of offerings, the bakery-café franchise caught his attention as the perfect complement to his business portfolio. Along with his wife, Khatri is gearing up to create a welcoming space where the Phoenix community can connect over coffee, pastries and more.

1851 spoke with Khatri to learn more about his background, what drew him to Paris Baguette and his 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?

Chetan Khatri: I’ve been a pharmacist since 2006, working with companies like Walgreens and CVS. About 15 years ago, I opened my own pharmacy and have been running that business successfully ever since. As a businessman, I’ve always looked for ways to diversify my portfolio, which led me to Paris Baguette. My wife will be joining me in the business as well, making it a family effort.

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?

Khatri: I’ve always been interested in expanding my business ventures. I could have opened another pharmacy, but I wanted to try something completely different. As a full-time pharmacist, I didn’t have the bandwidth to start a food business from scratch, so franchising made sense. We researched several franchise opportunities, but Paris Baguette stood out for its niche appeal and its ability to offer something for everyone.

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

Khatri: Paris Baguette is a growing company in a very niche market. One thing that impressed me was their ability to market and support their franchisees. If you look at other top coffee franchises, they sell similar products, but none have the variety that Paris Baguette offers. Whether you prefer a sweet treat, a savory option or something cultural, there’s something for everyone. That diversity is what drew me to the brand.

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

Khatri: My ultimate goal is to one day take Paris Baguette to India. With a population of 1.4 billion people, there’s a huge untapped market there. Right now, there aren’t any Paris Baguette locations in India, so I’m looking forward to pitching that idea to the next level.

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

Khatri: My family and I love being involved with the community, whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee together or meeting with neighbors. Paris Baguette will provide a space for the community to gather, mingle and talk about anything — politics, culture or just life in general. Whether it’s morning coffee or an evening slice of cake, it’s about creating a place where people can connect.

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

Khatri: If you don’t have experience in food or running a business, franchising can be a bigger investment than you might expect. You need to make sure you have the capital ready. Without experience, it can be difficult to raise those funds and operate successfully. Also, you have to be fully committed — this is your business, your baby, and you need to be ready to put your best foot forward at every step.

About Paris Baguette

With a projected 1,000 bakery cafés in the United States by 2030, Paris Baguette is on a mission to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community. Paris Baguette serves craveable baked and brewed treats and creates warm and welcoming experiences through a blend of gracious service, expert craftsmanship and community connections. From decisions made behind a desk to smiles offered behind a counter, the desire to spread joy and make the world a happier place drives everything we do. Being a neighborhood bakery café means caring about those around us and finding ways to make a real impact. We do so through our "Love Baked In" programs that bring to life our commitment to serving local communities through various charitable programs and initiatives. Paris Baguette is a leader in the hospitality industry with its commitment to creating unique consumer experiences and a network of successful franchisee relationships. For information and to find the Paris Baguette location closest to you, please visit www.parisbaguette.com.