Real Estate Entrepreneur Brings Paris Baguette to Alexandria, Virginia

Sam Sadeghi is bringing a new Paris Baguette* bakery café to Alexandria, Virginia. The real estate entrepreneur was inspired by his father, who took up baking when he moved from Iran to the United States. Instead of opening up a café from scratch, Sadeghi saw franchising as a perfect way to open a business — and Paris Baguette’s freshly made pastries and strong franchisee support made it feel like the right fit. 

“Everything is freshly made,” he said. “Everything is prepared in the store in the morning. The food tastes very good — everything from sandwiches to the pastries. The cakes are similar to the ones back in my country, Iran. They're light and not too sweet. Also, the support they offer their franchisees is very good.” 

Now, Sadeghi is focused on creating a welcoming and professional environment for the citizens of Northern Virginia. His goal is to build a top-performing store on the East Coast and provide support to his staff as he grows the business. 

1851 Franchise spoke to Sadeghi about his franchising journey with Paris Baguette and 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? 

Sam Sadeghi: I work as a real estate agent, where I assist clients with buying and selling properties and also engage in investment activities, such as house flipping and condo conversions in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. My father and I are very passionate about baking and it was always my dream to open my cafe/bakery one day. We initially considered opening our own coffee shop, but upon discovering the franchise opportunities with Paris Baguette, we decided to apply and were ultimately approved. 

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?

Sadeghi: Prior to becoming a franchisee, I had limited knowledge about the franchising model and its benefits. However, after reviewing the materials from Paris Baguette and observing the extensive support they provide to their franchisees, I recognized that it was an excellent investment opportunity. 

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

Sadeghi: I was drawn to this brand because everything is made fresh on-site each morning, ensuring high-quality food that truly stands out. The taste is exceptional, from the sandwiches to the pastries, and the cakes remind me of those from my home country, Iran—they're light and not overly sweet. Additionally, the support provided to franchisees is impressive. 

Choosing this franchise was appealing because it is an established brand. I appreciate that I won’t need to start advertising from scratch, which makes this a more strategic choice than opening an independent restaurant or coffee shop. 

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

Sadeghi: In terms of business objectives, my aim is to cultivate a welcoming yet professional atmosphere within the store. I aspire to establish the leading store in the United States and prioritize the well-being and development of my staff. 

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

Sadeghi: One key aspect of my narrative that I wish to convey is the transition driven by my father's passion for baking. Despite his background as a doctor, his love for baking led us to embark on this path. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner? 

Sadeghi: In considering the prospect of becoming a franchise owner, my advice is to acknowledge the inherent risk involved. Conversations with established franchisees will yield varied perspectives. Ultimately, trust your intuition and proceed with a calculated approach. While risk is inevitable, embracing it can lead to significant rewards. 

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 180 locations in markets across the country, 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 https://ownaparisbaguette.com/.