Paris Baguette

Muhammed Zahr is bringing&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a>, the bakery café franchise with over 4,000 units around the world, to Dearborn, Michigan. The second, of a five-unit franchise agreement, is estimated to launch by the summer of 2024.&nbsp;At just 26 years old, Zahr has already owned and captured Retail businesses and is a contractor with Fedex logistics services. As well as franchising experience with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-brings-first-paris-baguette-to-dearborn-michigan-next-summer-2723751" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cousins Maine Lobster</a>. On a training trip to California with Cousins Maine Lobster, Zahr noticed&nbsp;<a href="http://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-brings-first-paris-baguette-to-dearborn-michigan-next-summer-2723751" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paris Baguette</a>. Impressed with the design, atmosphere and food quality, he immediately began researching the brand when he returned home.With one bakery café open in Birmingham, Michigan and another in progress for Dearborn, Zahr is excited to fulfill the next three and has big plans to bring a total of 10 to 15 Paris Baguette cafés statewide so guests can enjoy the concept.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Zahr:&nbsp;Before franchising with Paris Baguette specifically, I was and still am in the retail business with gas stations. I became a FedEx contractor and own six trucks. I first got into franchising with Cousins Maine Lobster. When I went to training in California for that opportunity, the Cousins food truck that we were working from was parked outside of a Paris Baguette, and it caught my attention.I went inside and felt the community feel, and I loved the interior design. When I ate some pastries, I knew it wasn’t just show. When I came back home from training, I got some information, did my research and got in touch with the development team. I wanted to add to my franchise portfolio, and I knew Paris Baguette was a great option.Paris Baguette made sense to me because it’s different. It’s easier than a mobile business because employees are easier to retain. They don’t have to drive to a different work location all the time. You also have the luxury of really capturing people and making them daily customers.&nbsp;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?Zahr:&nbsp;I learned at 24 that it was much easier to go the franchising route. Everybody complains that the franchisor takes royalties, but they have an excellent PR team, advertising and business model. You’re not doing everything from scratch. The royalties pay for themselves. The franchise model makes it easier to scale, which is my ultimate goal. I want to have 10 to 15 Paris Baguettes in Michigan.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Zahr:&nbsp;I love everything about it, from the name and color scheme to how they’re constantly advancing and making stores more efficient. Paris Baguette is constantly on top of things, and that’s what I love about them. If I email or call, someone answers. There is a quick turnaround, and things get taken care of.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Zahr:&nbsp;I’m very passionate about what I do in terms of being an entrepreneur. I live and die to be successful, push brands and let everyone across the state experience something that they don’t have here. Paris Baguette is everywhere, and I feel like if I can bring 10 to 15 to Michigan and let people try the product, I’ll really be doing something with the company — giving people an experience.I’m constantly trying to give other people opportunities, too. It’s awesome to see people that you grow up with becoming your business partner, making money and enjoying the brands with you. It’s a great feeling.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Zahr:&nbsp;I just turned 26, and I’m an owner of five different types of businesses. I have multiple units. Sometimes people will look at me funny when they see who they’re speaking to based on my age, but I’ve realized over the years that I’ve also been able to gain a lot of respect for what I’m doing.I used to feel as if people did not want to take me seriously being that I was young. Now, almost overnight, I’ve become someone that people want to join and work with. They like the models and ventures I am bringing to the state, and they want to be a part of it with me.I’ve seen hard work and entrepreneurship all my life. My grandfather came here from overseas a long time ago, and he had nothing. He built himself up and passed that knowledge along to his kids. My dad is a prominent businessman. I want to follow in their footsteps. I have a background in accounting, and I use that to drive my businesses forward even further.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Zahr:&nbsp;In general, don’t be so scared of franchise fees and royalties. If you find the right franchisor like Paris Baguette or Cousins Maine Lobster, they really care about you. You can contact anyone. They’re really looking to help you grow as a business and an individual. What more could you ask for?&nbsp;I look at 50 to 60 franchises a year and even go into talks with some, but it’s a gut feeling thing. When I saw that Paris Baguette was willing to take on a 24-year-old as a franchisee, I felt like they trusted me. You need to have a good feeling about the franchisor.When I spoke with the development team, they didn’t just sound like they were trying to recruit anyone to be a franchisee. They were very selective. When you see that a company is diligent, that’s when you should realize that this is a company that might be a good franchise to keep pursuing.Also, just follow the steps. The franchisor knows what they’re doing.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&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-brings-first-paris-baguette-to-dearborn-michigan-next-summer-2723751" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">parisbaguette.com/franchising/</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.">1851franchise.com/parisbaguette.</a>ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE:&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-brings-first-paris-baguette-to-dearborn-michigan-next-summer-2723751" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ownaparisbaguette.com.</a>

Franchisee Brings First Paris Baguette to Dearborn, Michigan Next Summer

1851 Franchise

Muhammad Zahr, a 26-year-old Cousins Maine Lobster franchisee, is gearing up for his next venture: opening up to 15 more Paris Baguette cafés.

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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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image of sweta goyal, puneet mittal, mamta singhal, rajneesh signhal from paris baguette from texas

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. 

Franchisee Brings First Paris Baguette to Dearborn, Michigan Next Summer

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