Paris Baguette

Steve and Mia Kim’s journey to franchising began not with spreadsheets or profit margins, but with pastries. After spending seven years teaching English in Korea, the couple became regulars at&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=paris-baguette-franchise-charlotte-nc-2729339" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paris Baguette</a>, a bakery-café chain that was seemingly on every corner. The products&nbsp; and the brand itself left a lasting impression, one that followed them back to the United States.“We’ve known about&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a> for a long time. I grew up in Los Angeles, so I was familiar with the name. But from 2014 to 2021, Mia and I taught English in Korea, and that’s when we really got to know the brand well,” Steve said. “We loved the quality, consistency, and variety. It was like Starbucks in Korea — everywhere you went, there was a Paris Baguette. We wanted to understand what made it so popular, and those three things really stood out to us.”That admiration led them to open the first Paris Baguette location in Charlotte, North Carolina, just minutes from their home. The Kims see their store as more than a business venture — it’s a way to serve their neighbors something they personally enjoy and believe in. “We were fans first,” Steve said. “We genuinely love the product. I personally love the cakes — the quality, texture, and taste are amazing.”Located at 9826 Sandy Rock Place, Ste. A, in South Charlotte, the Kims’ Paris Baguette is on track to open on May 22. Their neighborhood bakery café is nestled in a walkable mixed-use development with homes, retail and a park right next door — a setting that reflects their focus on community and family. “We walk our dog there, and it’s the kind of place where you can grab a cup of coffee and a pastry and sit in the park with a blanket,” Steve said. “We love it, and we think other people will enjoy that too.”1851 Franchise spoke with the Kims about their franchising journey with Paris Baguette, their love of the brand and their plans to connect with the South Charlotte community where they live. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Steve Kim: We’ve known about Paris Baguette for a long time. I grew up in Los Angeles, so I was familiar with the name. But from 2014 to 2021, Mia and I taught English in Korea, and that’s when we really got to know the brand well. We loved the quality, consistency, and variety. It was like Starbucks in Korea — everywhere you went, there was a Paris Baguette. We wanted to understand what made it so popular, and those three things really stood out to us.When we moved back to the States, we were looking for something we could do together. We naturally gravitated toward Paris Baguette. There was an opportunity in Charlotte, and we jumped on it.Mia Kim: We traveled a lot and compared European and Asian bakeries. I thought Paris Baguette’s offerings were strong enough to compete with the best of them. I read about how the founder was a pastry chef with a real passion for baking, and I respected that. That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to the brand.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Steve: Before we moved to Korea, I was in commercial real estate, so I understood retail from the real estate side. After we came back, we bought a Bruster’s Ice Cream franchise — that was something I always wanted to do. We still own and enjoy that business.What really shifted my mindset was a health issue — I lost my hearing. I’ve always had ringing in my ears, and one day I woke up and it had gotten a lot worse. I was diagnosed with sudden hearing loss, and they couldn’t pinpoint a cause. It may have been stress or genetics.After that, my perspective changed. I wanted to do things I genuinely enjoy, not just things that make money. That’s what led us to ice cream and now to Paris Baguette.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?Steve: I always thought people got into franchising for consistency. That’s what I saw as the biggest strength — being able to provide a reliable, quality product. That’s been true with both Bruster’s and Paris Baguette. There’s a real commitment to quality and consistency, and the R&amp;D side is impressive. They’re always developing new products and updating the menu. It’s not just the same thing over and over — they’re trying to stay ahead and offer variety.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Steve: We genuinely love the product. I personally love the cakes — the quality, texture, and taste are amazing. The pastries and the variety are exciting. We got into this not from a business perspective initially, but as guests. We were fans first.Mia: We liked the product first. That’s how we got interested in the business.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Steve: Right now, we want to run this store well. It’s the first Paris Baguette in Charlotte, and we want to represent the brand the right way. We live in the neighborhood — just three minutes away. Our kids go to school here. Their friends and their families will be coming to the store. So we want to make sure we’re doing it right, serving our neighbors with quality and consistency.At this point, we’re not thinking about multiple locations. We’re focused on doing this one really well and seeing what happens from there.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Steve: We’re located next to a small park in a mixed-use development with townhomes and retail. It’s a really nice, walkable area. We walk our dog there, and it’s the kind of place where you can grab a cup of coffee and a pastry and sit in the park with a blanket. We love it, and we think other people will enjoy that too.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Steve: Find something you’re passionate about — not just what’s most profitable. Money matters, of course, but if you don’t believe in what you’re selling, it’s going to be hard to make it work. With both Bruster’s and Paris Baguette, I genuinely love the product. I eat it with my family and friends. I recommend it because I believe in it. If you feel that way about what you’re selling, I think the business will follow.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 over 200 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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=paris-baguette-franchise-charlotte-nc-2729339" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://ownaparisbaguette.com/</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Steve & Mia Kim & Paris Baguette logo

Paris Baguette Opens in Charlotte, North Carolina | Steve and Mia Kim’s Story

1851 Franchise

Steve and Mia Kim discovered Paris Baguette overseas. Now they’re bringing the bakery café to their South Charlotte community to serve neighbors, friends and family.

This brand page has been paid for by PARIS BAGUETTE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

After Falling in Love with Paris Baguette, This North Carolina Couple Decided To Open One of Their Own

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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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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. 

After Falling in Love with Paris Baguette, This North Carolina Couple Decided To Open One of Their Own

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