Monica Ye worked in the IT industry for two decades before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her company’s structure. After loyally visiting Paris Baguette for over 10 years, Ye chose to combine her love for baking, her family’s love for Paris Baguette and the opportunity for a career shift to open a NYC Paris Baguette location.
“I worked with hardware and computer keyboards for 20 years in the IT industry. When COVID hit, the structure changed inside the company, so I decided it was time to work for myself,” she explained. “I had always invested in restaurant businesses on the side, and I love pastries and desserts. I have been eating Paris Baguette’s food for 10 years, so it was a perfect time and fit.”
The community and neighborhood around 303 Park Avenue South are ecstatic to have their very own Paris Baguette cafe open. Ye signed for a total of four locations. The second, in North Brunswick, NJ, will open at the end of the year, and the third, in Princeton, NJ, is slated to open at the end of 2023. Monica is now searching for location number four.
As she prepares for this growth, Ye says she is most excited about the positive reputation Paris Baguette has. Unlike other concepts in the bakery space, the thoughts surrounding Paris Baguette are unanimously positive — the concept has a good image.
“They have a positive attitude and tell you everything they know regarding running the business, so you don’t feel lost. This was especially important to me as a new business owner,” she added. “I also like how this is a high-end brand, the variety of the business model (for all ages) and the food quality. All I need to do is promote the product in the area. We are already one step ahead; we just need to get a bit higher. In addition, my whole family and I had already been eating their products for ten years, so we knew we loved the food, and the employees are always welcoming.”
Though she is certain she will face many challenges and growth opportunities she has yet to experience, Ye says her confidence in the product and business model will allow her to calmly navigate changes as she grows.
The total investment to franchise with Paris Baguette ranges from $635,765 and $1,693,600, including a $50,000 franchise fee. For more information, please visit https://parisbaguette.com/franchising/.