Paris Baguette

Mike Issa and Moe Touffaha fell in love with Paris Baguette when they visited a New York location years ago. However, when they inquired about franchising in the Midwest, the brand was not looking to expand in that region. Four years later, that changed. Issa and Touffaha opened two incredibly successful Paris Baguette cafés in Wichita, Kansas and Birmingham, Michigan.&nbsp;Now, the duo is working to add a second location in Wichita and expand in Kansas City.“Since opening the first location, we have gotten to know the process and operations very well,” Issa explained. “We’re very familiar with the brand, and our P&amp;L looks good. People in our community also love our location, the brand and the pastries. That encouraged us to move forward with more locations.”1851:&nbsp;What did you do before franchising?Mike Issa:&nbsp; We have been in franchising for 17 years. We first got into franchising with IHOP and opened our first location in 2004. We are also currently looking into a Popeyes franchise. Before joining the IHOP franchise, I started and ran my own shipping and freight company called&nbsp;Handle With Care Packaging Store out of Wichita, Kansas.Moe and I got into franchising to be a part of a larger company that has a proven built-in support system. But it was also important that we were allowed to own the business while following the franchise’s standard operating procedure.&nbsp;1851: How long from the first time you learned about franchising until you inquired on the franchisor’s website?Issa:&nbsp;I was interested four years ago, but unfortunately, Paris Baguette was not interested in expanding into Kansas at the time. When the brand decided to expand, a corporate member reached out, and I immediately jumped on the opportunity.1851: How did you perform your research/due diligence?Issa:&nbsp;We stopped by several locations in New York as customers and really liked the concept. We also liked the food and instantly wanted to bring this neighborhood bakery to Kansas. As part of our decision to become Paris Baguette franchisees, we spoke to a few franchisees and were able to see their success and their passion to serve freshly delicious pastries, cakes, breads and brewed drinks.&nbsp;1851: How many brands did you look at?&nbsp;Issa:&nbsp;I was only interested in Paris Baguette.1851: What made you say “yes” to&nbsp;Paris Baguette?&nbsp;Issa:&nbsp;Paris Baguette has a unique concept in that they offer a wide variety of freshly baked goods daily—everything from pastries, cakes, croissants, breads and fresh-brewed drinks, which I first experienced as a customer. Once I learned more about the brand and its franchise model, I thought it would be a great fit in the Kansas and Michigan markets since there is nothing quite like it in the area.I also really liked that Paris Baguette’s model targets markets that are seemingly untouched and in need of a brand such as this. Paris Baguette is focused on bringing a neighborhood feel to communities, so residents can come together in a friendly and welcoming environment. Once I saw the brand’s values, I knew I wanted to replicate that in the Kansas and Michigan communities.1851: What could have scared you away?&nbsp;Issa:&nbsp;Nothing could have scared me away because I have extensive experience in franchising restaurant concepts and have been passionate about the Paris Baguette brand since I was first introduced to the concept as a customer.1851: What makes you stand out as a unique business owner in the local community?Issa:&nbsp;I have extensive experience in both the franchising and restaurant industry, so I know exactly how to open a business such as this. I have experience in staffing, accounting, human resources and setting up great benefits for my employees. My plan is to become integrated into the local community in each market I expand in. I would like to do charitable work through my businesses as well. I currently donate to Children’s Miracle Network and am passionate about using my businesses to help others.&nbsp;1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? Plans for growth?&nbsp;Issa:&nbsp;We hope to achieve the same success with Paris Baguette as my other franchise locations. We opened our first location in Birmingham, Michigan, in February 2022 and were overwhelmed by how the community responded. We were flooded with guests, and the feedback was incredibly positive.&nbsp;I am extremely happy that we were able to serve the community and get the chance to interact with our guests.&nbsp;We plan to open the first Paris Baguette in Wichita, Kansas, this July. That location is going to be incredible with its 3,000 square foot space and a patio with a transparent fireplace. I also plan to open a location in Overland Park, Kansas, in June of 2023.1851: What do you do in your personal time?Issa:&nbsp;Any free time I have, I’m spending it with my family. My wife and I are passionate about fitness so we spend a good amount of time at the gym.&nbsp;1851: What is the one thing about your story that you want us to know?Issa:&nbsp;I’ve really enjoyed working in the restaurant industry since opening my first IHOP location in 2004. Through hard work and dedication, we now own 12 IHOP locations, eight of which have been built from the ground up. I’m extremely excited to find success with a new franchise that’s offering a new concept to Kansas and Michigan.The total investment to franchise with Paris Baguette ranges from $652,565 to $1,750,900, including a $50,000 franchise fee.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=former-stay-at-home-mom-embraces-entrepreneurial-dreams-with-paris-baguette-in-st-louis-2723047">https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info</a>&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px !important;">ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE</h3>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 nearly 150 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 guests and help guests share moments of joy with their friends and family by providing world-class cakes, pastries, coffees, breads and other French-inspired bakery café fare. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=former-stay-at-home-mom-embraces-entrepreneurial-dreams-with-paris-baguette-in-st-louis-2723047&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=doubling-down-paris-baguette-franchisees-expand-in-kansas-double-unit-count-2723292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;ownaparisbaguette.com.</a>

Doubling Down: Paris Baguette Franchisees Expand in Kansas, Double Unit Count

1851 Franchise

Mike Issa and Moe Touffaha pursued business ownership with Paris Baguette after a positive experience franchising with IHOP. Now, the pair is expanding with Paris Baguette.


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Second-Generation Restaurateur Habib Hashimi Partners With Family To Bring 11 Paris Baguette Franchise Locations to South Florida

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How Two Dallas Couples Turned Coffee Runs Into a Five-Store Paris Baguette Deal

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3 University of Tennessee, Knoxville Alumni to Bring Multiple Paris Baguette Franchise Cafés to the Knoxville, Tennessee area

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image of Sandeep KesiReddy and Siddhartha Parepally, paris baguette franchise owners

Meet the Two Best Friends Opening a Paris Baguette Franchise in Record Time

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In a recent episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paris-baguette-and-the-road-to-1-000-restaurants-with/id1448762355?i=1000750526071">“QSR Uncut” podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://ownaparisbaguette.com">Paris Baguette</a> Chief Development Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-scaccio-83728422">Nick Scaccio</a> sat down with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyklein14/">Danny Klein</a> to discuss the rapid growth the bakery café franchise has experienced across North America. When Scaccio joined the brand in 2020, there were 73 cafés in the U.S. Now, there are more than 290 cafés across the country with hundreds more in development.Scaccio attributes much of this momentum to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette’s</a> unique brand identity that prioritizes the highest quality across a range of freshly-made breads and pastries, fresh sandwiches and salads, handcrafted beverages, and both cake slices and whole cakes. With such diversity in the menu, Paris Baguette is relevant across all dayparts, from morning pastries and coffee to lunchtime grab-and-go items.Over the last few years, Paris Baguette has seen incredible growth, defying industry trends of stalled growth. Scaccio pointed to a people-first philosophy as the primary driver of this growth, emphasizing the importance of a strong partnership between the corporate team and local operators.“How genuine someone is about loving the brand is critical,” Scaccio said on the podcast. “So we talk openly about the menu, what they've tried, which franchise owners they've contacted, and how the conversations went. We meet in person, when and where possible … And then, if there are other businesses, we'll tour and spend time and even meet some members of their team. I think all of that is critical before entering an extremely long-term relationship. We take that very seriously, and we appreciate that our franchise owners do, too.”Looking ahead, Paris Baguette is showing no signs of slowing down. With a goal of reaching 1,000 U.S. units by 2030, Scaccio says he expects to have that number fully accounted for between open cafés and awarded development deals by the end of the quarter. As the franchise continues to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of communities across the country, they’re proving a focus on hospitality and execution remains key to success in competitive markets.Listen to the full podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paris-baguette-and-the-road-to-1-000-restaurants-with/id1448762355?i=1000750526071">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com">https://ownaparisbaguette.com</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.">https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.</a>&nbsp;

Photo of Paris Baguette CDO Nick Scaccio, Road to 1,000 Restaurants

As the bakery café franchise continues along a rapid growth trajectory, their people-first values and versatile, all-day menu are fueling steady success. 

QSR Uncut: Paris Baguette and the Road to 1,000 Restaurants, With CDO Nick Scaccio

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MOONACHIE, N.J.&nbsp;— Following a year of remarkable growth in 2025, including 77 new cafés opened and nearly 300 more awarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/">Paris Baguette</a>, the global franchise with over 290 cafés across the U.S., will attend the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.multiunitfranchisingconference.com/">Multi-Unit Franchising Conference</a> March 24-27. As they continue to grow,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a> has remained committed to upholding the highest standards throughout the system, from initial franchisee onboarding to the in-café guest experience. MUFC represents another key opportunity for the brand to continue this growth and collaboration.“As a growing brand, it’s essential that we remain connected throughout our system and with other leaders in the industry,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-tipton-0526324">Darren Tipton</a>. “MUFC gives us an opportunity to continue building on our momentum, nurture collaboration both among our teams and with the broader multi-unit community, and highlight Paris Baguette as a leader in the industry and a prime opportunity for skilled multi-unit owners looking to grow their portfolios.”Over the course of the conference, Paris Baguette owners and leadership will have opportunities to hear from experts, gain new perspectives and weigh in on key topics for multi-unit franchisees. Topics include the guest experience, the meaning of value and service for today’s employees and consumers, financing for growth, and operations and profitability strategies.For Paris Baguette, which has emphasized franchisee engagement, support, and alignment as they grow, these conversations, workshops, and networking opportunities are another way to support healthy, long-term growth.“The people behind Paris Baguette are what make us who we are,” Tipton said. “Continuing to emphasize that personal aspect and leaning into a franchise-first model that recognizes the value of a clear, cohesive culture and a supported, satisfied franchisee base will be a key factor in our ongoing success.”In addition to strategic alignment across multiple levels of the Paris Baguette franchise system, Paris Baguette will also be hosting a booth at #2125 and #2123 to showcase their model, growth opportunities for prospective franchise owners, and hand out free samples.&nbsp;With strong momentum across North America and a format built for growth, Paris Baguette continues to stand out for entrepreneurs seeking a bakery café brand with both scale and neighborhood appeal.The Paris Baguette team will be available to discuss their industry-leading support, elevated café design, and growth opportunities across the country.For more information, visit the Paris Baguette team at Booth&nbsp;#2125 and #2123 or email kkeith@parisbaguette.com to schedule a meeting.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 290 locations in markets across North America, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/.">https://ownaparisbaguette.com/.</a>&nbsp;

image of paris baguette attending mufc 2026

After opening 77 cafés and awarding nearly 300 more in 2025, the global bakery café franchise will connect with high-growth multi-unit owners and drive innovation and alignment throughout the system.

Paris Baguette to Attend Multi-Unit Franchising Conference 2026 Following Record-Breaking Year of Expansion

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MOONACHIE, N.J.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/">Paris Baguette</a>, the global bakery café franchise with over 4,000 locations around the world, closed 2025 with incredible momentum, marking their most successful year to date. With 77 new bakery cafés opened, including a new record of fourteen in December alone, 101 leases signed, and nearly 300 development agreements signed,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a> has laid the foundation for an unprecedented 2026, and continues on the trajectory to and beyond 1,000 North American locations by 2030.&nbsp;Paris Baguette’s momentum in 2025 was further validated by strong industry recognition. The brand was ranked No. 29 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500?type=multisearch&amp;data1=randomize:false,rankId:f500&amp;sort=f500&amp;sortMethod=global&amp;globalLimit=25">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®</a>, earning the No. 1 spot in the bakery café category, a significant jump from No. 42 overall the previous year. Paris Baguette was also recognized on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/paris-baguette-ranked-no-112-in-2025-technomic-top-500-chain-restaurants-report-climbing-over-20-spots-from-prior-year-302548964.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurants Report</a>, ranking No. 112 and climbing more than 20 positions year-over-year, underscoring the brand’s sustained sales growth, operational strength, and expanding footprint across North America.Adding to the momentum, Paris Baguette broke ground on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crbgroup.com/news/je-dunn-construction-crb-break-ground-on-first-paris-baguette-manufacturing-facility-in-u-s?utm_source=chatgpt.com">first North American manufacturing facility in Burleson, Texas</a>, a strategic investment in the brand’s infrastructure designed to support long-term scalability and growth.In late 2025, Paris Baguette also welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-sulma-05540736/">Zac Sulma</a> as Chief Operating Officer, bringing extensive hospitality and multi-unit leadership experience to support the franchise’s scalable growth. In his role, Sulma will focus on enhancing operational processes and strengthening franchisee support across the system.In addition to their footprint growth, Paris Baguette’s financial health remains strong with over five consecutive years of positive comparable sales growth. As they grow both in size and impact, it’s clear Paris Baguette has maintained their unique experience and continues to resonate deeply with the communities they enter.“Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that, while we’re opening doors, we’re also building the heart of the community,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-tipton-0526324">Darren Tipton</a>. “Reaching nearly 80 new café openings and celebrating our 250th location were two major wins for us, but I’m especially proud of our people. All of our successes are a result of the people behind Paris Baguette, and they prove that we’re operating with more heart and focus than ever before.”The momentum built in 2025 serves as a springboard for continued success through 2026. Paris Baguette is on track to open their 400th North American bakery café this year, a result of 150 planned openings. This ambitious roadmap includes expansion into 10 new U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and territories.While the numbers paint a picture of rapid growth, Tipton remains committed to expansion fueled by Paris Baguette’s core values.“We’re heading into 2026 from a position of incredible strength, supported by an enhanced infrastructure and a pipeline that shows no signs of slowing down,” Tipton said. “Our focus remains on nourishing the communities we serve and spreading joy with each interaction, and we look forward to our continued growth with franchise partners who share our priorities.”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 280 locations in markets across North America, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/">https://ownaparisbaguette.com/</a>.

The global bakery café franchise climbs Entrepreneur Franchise 500®, breaks ground on $200M Texas facility, and welcomes new COO Zac Sulma.

Paris Baguette Hits Record 77 Café Openings in 2025, Prepares for 400th North American Location

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MOONACHIE, N.J. —&nbsp;<a href="http://ownaparisbaguette.com">Paris Baguette</a>, the global bakery café franchise with over 280 locations across the U.S., is proud to announce their inclusion in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500® list&nbsp;</a>for 2026. They were ranked No. 29, up 13 spots from their 2025 ranking, and they were again ranked No. 1 in the Bakery Cafe category. This recognition underscores&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette’s</a> commitment to excellence and their dedication to delivering an exceptional bakery café experience that delivers joy across North America.“The Franchise 500 is widely recognized as the gold standard in franchising,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-tipton-0526324/">Darren Tipton</a>. “It’s a recognition of the strength and potential of top franchise systems around the world, and we’re proud to have been included.”Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, which is now in its 47th year, is the industry’s most competitive and comprehensive franchise ranking. Franchises are evaluated on a range of factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, and brand strength. Each brand receives a cumulative score based on more than 150 data points. Franchises are then ranked in order of their overall score, providing prospective franchisees with a trusted source to evaluate franchise opportunities.The strength of Paris Baguette’s model is only solidified by their recent growth. In 2025, they opened 77 new bakery cafés, executed more than 100 leases, and awarded nearly 300 development agreements. With a full pipeline and interest growing nationally, they’re on track to open 150 new locations this year alone, which will push them over the 400-unit mark.“We’re committed to continued growth as we work to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community in markets nationwide,” Tipton said. “With freshly baked pastries and breads, artisan cakes, and handcrafted beverages, Paris Baguette offers a level of quality and expertise that fills a vital gap in communities across North America.”To view Paris Baguette’s full profile on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/paris-baguette/335793">https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/paris-baguette/335793</a>. Results are also featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands.ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTEParis 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 280 locations in markets across North America, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/">https://ownaparisbaguette.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of Paris Baguette chocolate cake with strawberries

The global bakery café franchise climbed 13 spots from their 2025 ranking and was again ranked No. 1 in the Bakery Cafe category. 

Doubling Down: Paris Baguette Franchisees Expand in Kansas, Double Unit Count

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