Two Attorneys, Restaurant Professionals To Serve Germantown Community With New Paris Baguette Café

John and Michael Canterino, experienced entrepreneurs with backgrounds in law and business, are bringing Paris Baguette*’s renowned bakery café concept to the D.C. Metro and Baltimore area. With the first of four locations opening in Germantown, Maryland, the pair is looking forward to sustainable growth throughout their market.

As they searched for their next investment, John and Michael were searching for something with strong business potential and a platform that would enable them to give back to their community. Now, with a focus on community engagement and giving back, they are bringing Paris Baguette’s unique model to the region while making a meaningful local impact.

John and Michael took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:

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

John Canterino: Before getting into franchising, Michael and I had been in the restaurant business together for eight years, and we’ve both been around hospitality even longer. We’ve always had a business-oriented mindset and excelled in the hospitality industry. 

I have a background in criminal and civil law, having worked in private-practice in both criminal and civil law. I have also been privileged to have clerked for some phenomenal judges. It was through these experiences that I learned how to navigate challenges, particularly in the business world. 

Michael Canterino: We both grew up around business. We learned a lot about being in the people industry from our father, John, Sr. who was a hospitality management professor.  We also both had significant experience in restaurant management before franchising. We’ve always been driven by business, and when Paris Baguette presented itself, we saw a great opportunity to combine our skills. It was more than just getting into the bakery café space. We saw it as a chance to really get involved in the neighborhood and our community, which was the best fit for us.

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?

John:  We had both worked for or owned franchises in the past, so we had an understanding of franchising before we approached Paris Baguette. We are very familiar with the benefits for franchisees and franchisors, and the role of trust in the relationship between the two parties.

What I really want people to know is that franchising can offer a tremendous opportunity, especially with the right brand. It’s not just about following a formula — it’s about building a relationship with the community and being invested in the brand.

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

Michael: Paris Baguette isn’t exactly new, but it’s still a relatively novel brand in the Mid-Atlantic region. The brand has a strong presence on the West Coast and in New York, but it hasn’t fully expanded yet in places like Baltimore and D.C. I had the chance to experience Paris Baguette in California, where my wife, Jackie’s family lives, and I loved it. The quality of the products, the customer service — it really stood out. We were drawn to it because it’s a strong brand with a lot of potential for growth in our area.

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

John: One of our biggest goals is to create a business that we can be proud of while also making a positive impact in the community. Paris Baguette offers us the opportunity to do more than just operate a business; we’re focused on giving back. One of the ways they do that is to encourage owners, at the end of each day, to donate unsold food items rather than just throwing it away.

We will be partnering with local food distribution centers and public service entities to ensure that our left-over food goes to a good cause. Super excited to be able to help reduce hunger and contribute to our neighborhoods. That’s something that’s always been really important to us.

Michael: Our goal is to grow the business, of course, but also to provide a sense of community by acting as a gathering place guests can connect while enjoying fresh baked goods and their favorite coffee. It's not just about growing the business; it’s about having a lasting, positive impact.

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

John:  On a personal note, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my beautiful wife, Kelly and our two amazing children, Giovanni and Dominic. Michael and I want people to know that we might have atypical backgrounds compared to many franchisees,  we have consistently exceeded expectations through personalized attention and a welcoming atmosphere.  It is the human aspect of business that we find the most challenging and rewarding.  

Michael: Another thing that sets us apart is how we treat our team. To us, they’re not just staff; they’re part of the family. We’ve learned from our legal background the importance of communication and patience. In the legal field, you have to be able work with individuals from all walks of life, and we bring that mindset to the way we run our franchises.  As we embark on this amazing and rewarding adventure, I am truly thankful for all the support from my amazing and beautiful wife Jaquelyn.  

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

John: In terms of franchising with Paris Baguette, I would strongly recommend doing so. It’s a fast-growing brand that is on track to open many more cafés across the U.S. by 2030.

Not only is it a fast-growing franchise, it is also an international brand, and given that it’s been so successful around the world, there’s a lot of potential to introduce the beloved brand to new neighborhoods in the U.S.

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/.