Local Restaurant Investor Brings Paris Baguette to Quincy, MA, as Concept Continues Working Toward 1,000 US Units Opened

Paris Baguette, the bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units globally, is growing in Quincy, Massachusetts, with local restaurant owner Gong Lu. Lu has been an investor in the area for a few years now, but when he began looking to grow again, it only felt natural to bring one of his personal favorites to the community — Paris Baguette.

“I’ve always liked Paris Baguette. I’m originally from China, and when I was in middle school, a Paris Baguette opened nearby. The food is always consistent, and I appreciated knowing that going into business with them,” Lu explained. “I’m excited to bring the food to the area because it’s really good and because it’s a healthy alternative to most bakery goods. I want more people to have the opportunity to try the brand because it is so good. I’m really proud to serve the customers Paris Baguette products.”

After seven years in real estate and some time spent with other restaurant investments, Lu was ready to enter the industry on his own. Through franchising, he knew he would be able to receive the support and guidance he would need to succeed, and previous personal experiences with Paris Baguette’s offerings only solidified this decision.

“I thought there would be a big opportunity to franchise here with Paris Baguette after seeing the success in New Jersey,” he said. “Boston is a tough market to be in, but I really think that this brand can stand out and excel. As a business owner, though, I want to better serve my community.”

Lu added that the Paris Baguette products and approach really do speak for themselves. Having experienced the consistency of the brand as a child, he is only more confident in his ability to provide nothing but the best bakery offerings to his community.

Looking forward, Lu says he is excited to serve his community and continue to grow with the brand. 

“I hope to open more stores throughout the state in the future,” he added. “ I feel like you just have to work hard. Even though you are going with a franchise, you still have to put your heart into this. And make sure to hire a great team and be a great leader.”

Lu aims to be open for business in early 2023, in line with the brand's continued effort to open 1,000 U.S. units. As it continues to expand, passionate franchisees can invest in an opportunity that sets itself apart from others in the industry.

“What we have, a true bakery café, is something that no one else is doing,” explained Mark Mele, chief development officer for Paris Baguette. “There are a lot of cafés or bakeries that supposedly would make their products fresh in the past, but they have shifted toward more of an eatery model — some have even taken ‘bakery’ out of their names! We want to bake bread, pastries and cakes fresh every day, and our passion makes the product absolutely great. That’s a key differentiator.”

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/.