Sisters Hanna Chen and Kate Lee are bringing Paris Baguette, the global bakery café franchise with over 4,000 locations around the world, to the Athens of the South. Having grown up near a Paris Baguette, the decision to franchise with the brand was more than just business. 

“Our childhood was filled with pastries and cakes,” Lee told Eater, comparing the popularity of the franchise to that of Starbucks in the United States. “Paris Baguette’s bread and cakes are very rich and are freshly baked every day. That was the part we loved the most.”

Chen and Lee immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Alabama, where they initially worked in automotive manufacturing. Chen met her husband Eric, who was in the restaurant industry, leading the sisters to shift their careers towards hospitality. They gained experience by working in various restaurants and eventually saw an opportunity to open their own restaurant, I Love Sushi, in Nashville, Tennessee, during the pandemic. 

Chen recognized a gap in the market and decided to bring a Paris Baguette franchise to Nashville when she noticed the demand for its pastries among her employees who were traveling to other cities for them. Lee joined her sister in this endeavor; they believe their close relationship will contribute to their success as entrepreneurs.

Alongside fresh-baked breads including brioche rolls, croissants and baguettes, the Nashville location will feature decadent cakes, donuts and pastries. The sisters are most excited about introducing some of their favorite childhood treats, such as vanilla cake layered with soft cream and fresh berries, to the menu.

Chen and Lee will open their Paris Baguette cafe in Nashville later this year at 1111 Church Street, between the Gulch and Capitol View. 

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