Longtime Investor Poonam Sharma Signs To Take Over New York Paris Baguette Café

After years in the fashion industry, Poonam Sharma had plenty of experience in cafés worldwide. In her free moments, Sharma would always sit in a café, sipping coffee and enjoying a croissant. So, when she and her husband began considering their next investment, Paris Baguette felt like a natural fit.

With a strong brand presence in New York, Sharma recognized the health of the brand, but talking about territories with the development team was what sealed the deal. Though the area closest to her home was already sold out, the team floated the idea of an existing corporate location at 52nd and Lexington — the first location Sharma ever visited. This felt like a sign, and she knew she had to go for it.

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

Sharma: I have always been into fashion. I was a buyer for Chanel and Hermes. My husband and I decided to invest in 7-11 a few years back, and we started thinking about investing in something else, too. Paris Baguette was one of my favorites in New York City. The first time I went was in 2014, and I actually went to the same location that I’m now buying. We thought, “Why not?” It was doing really well in New York City and Long Island. 

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?

Sharma: I always thought that it was a good model and good investment. You just have to work, but that’s the case with anything you get. It’s a lot of hard work in the beginning, but once you know the business, it gets easier. Then you can manage it from a distance.

In the beginning, it’s hard, especially if you’re a first-time franchisee. You have to learn everything. I think franchisees should focus on customer service; customer service is the only thing that can set your business apart.

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

Sharma: I picked Paris Baguette because I felt that it had a lot of potential. It’s kind of new, but not completely. Everyone loves it everywhere. The café that I’m taking over is really, really busy. I know I’ll have to invest some time there, but I have a strong feeling it’ll be good. 

Paris Baguette is different from other bakeries. All of the cakes, pastries and croissants are baked in-house, and I don’t think any other brand comes close to Paris Baguette.

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

Sharma: I have plans to become a multi-unit owner for sure. I know that I’m going to have to work hard in the beginning and invest more time, but hopefully I’ll be able to get more locations in the future.

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

Sharma: It was simple. I was in love with Paris Baguette, so I decided to invest in it. I had been looking for locations closer to my home, but that territory had already been filled out. I thought it would be okay to look in the heart of the city because I go into the city every day for work. When they told me that I had the opportunity to take over 52nd & Lexington, I realized that was the first Paris Baguette I ever visited, and I knew I had to go for it.

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

Sharma: I think they should do it. There is a risk in every business, but becoming a franchisee is a little safer than opening your own business because you get that support. Especially if you’re a first-time business owner, franchising is something you should do.

You should also learn about the business before you franchise. I’ve been going to Paris Baguette for almost a decade. I’m in love with the brand, so I decided to become a part of it.

ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE: 

Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The brand first franchised in the U.S. in 2015 and has since established nearly 150 locations in markets across the country, making it one of the premier franchise opportunities in its category. Paris Baguette’s primary mission, executed every day by its expert staff of bakers, cakers and baristas, is to share moments of joy with customers and help customers share moments of joy with their friends and family by providing world-class cakes, pastries, coffees, breads and other French-inspired bakery café fare. For more information, please visit parisbaguette.com/franchising/.