Longtime Tim Horton’s Franchisee Signs 4-Unit Agreement with Paris Baguette in Toronto

After a career spanning over 20 years as a multi-unit franchisee in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, Abid Khan is embarking on an exciting new journey with Paris Baguette. With plans to open four locations across the Toronto area, Khan is combining his wealth of experience with his passion for connecting with the community to bring Paris Baguette’s premium baked goods and inviting café atmosphere to the local market.

For Khan, Paris Baguette represents more than a business opportunity. It’s a chance to create a warm and welcoming environment for guests while building a legacy that reflects his dedication to quality, service and community involvement.

1851 Franchise spoke with Khan to learn more about his background, his decision to franchise with Paris Baguette and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Abid Khan: I am an immigrant to Canada. I came when I was in my early 20s and worked for various companies in the QSR industry, including McDonald’s. Eventually, I got into Tim Hortons as a franchisee. My wife was working at the head office. We got into the Tim Hortons franchise, started with one store and expanded down the road. Eventually, we had six stores.

I then invested in another franchise company, Humpty’s Restaurants in Calgary. Between these franchises, I have 30 years of experience in the QSR industry. At the same time, I was building custom homes as another career. My son wanted to move to Toronto for his education, so we decided to find something different. I sold my stores and we moved here to Toronto.

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?

Khan: If you are a kid and you want to learn how to ride a bike, you are going to fall down and get injured. It's going to take a lot longer. With a franchise, you have assistance and somebody there for you that knows how to give you guidance. They are already there. I love that about franchising. You are not alone. It’s a beautiful thing.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Khan: We found Paris Baguette, and I had a lot of experience in the QSR industry. I loved the branding of Paris Baguette and saw that there was one store open in Toronto. Before you try anything, the presentation has to be good. This is how you can attract guests. The product has to look good. I found the Paris Baguette environment, presentation, store design, and top of the line product to be outstanding and innovative.

Paris Baguette was doing an awesome job. This is an experience — people are coming, sitting down, and they want a good environment. That is what Paris Baguette provides.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Khan: We are hoping to open four stores in the future, and then down the road, we are hoping to get more stores and help grow the company together.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Khan: When I was with Tim Hortons, I was doing a lot of community engagement and was involved in a lot of organizations in the area. I even had an elderly woman I was delivering to her house out of the kindness of my heart. That is why guests know my name and know who I am.

I am excited to do the same thing with Paris Baguette. People are passionate about these brands, and I love connecting with them through what we do.

For more information on franchising with Paris Baguette, visit: https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/.

About Paris Baguette

With a projected 1,000 bakery cafés in the United States by 2030, Paris Baguette is on a mission to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community. Paris Baguette serves craveable baked and brewed treats and creates warm and welcoming experiences through a blend of gracious service, expert craftsmanship and community connections. From decisions made behind a desk to smiles offered behind a counter, the desire to spread joy and make the world a happier place drives everything we do. Being a neighborhood bakery café means caring about those around us and finding ways to make a real impact. We do so through our "Love Baked In" programs that bring to life our commitment to serving local communities through various charitable programs and initiatives. Paris Baguette is a leader in the hospitality industry with its commitment to creating unique consumer experiences and a network of successful franchisee relationships. For information and to find the Paris Baguette location closest to you, please visit www.parisbaguette.com.