Paris Baguette Signs 25 Franchise Agreements in Q1, More Than All Signings in 2020

Paris Baguette, the bakery-cafe brand with more than 4,000 units across the globe and 85 in the U.S., is starting off the year on a high note with double-digit franchise signings, consistent sales and more. The brand plans to ride that wave all the way to the top as it establishes itself as a premier franchise opportunity in the bakery-cafe category. 

While the past year saw most of the foodservice industry experiencing record losses and stalled growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Paris Baguette opened more than 15 U.S. locations. Now, in 2021, the franchise is enjoying even more success thanks to the uniquely lucrative benefits of its business model and a growing leadership team. 

Paris Baguette Picks Up Growth With Multi-Unit Signings and Expanding Leadership Team

Paris Baguette signed 25 new franchise agreements between January and March of 2021. For context, the brand only signed 22 agreements throughout the entirety of last year. At this rate, the brand is well on its way to hitting the coveted 100-unit mark in the U.S. by the end of 2021.

This accelerated growth can be attributed in large part to the team’s addition of franchise industry veteran Mark Mele as the chief development officer in December. Mele previously developed fitness centers and yogurt shops for Retro Fitness and Let’s YO brands and has 30 years of experience in the field. As chief development officer, Mele oversees Paris Baguette’s growth development and design, as well as the company’s real estate and construction functions.

“All of the new deals that have come to us in Q1 are incredibly exciting, and we're thrilled to bring Paris Baguette to new markets across the country,” said Mele. “We are confident the momentum is going to carry on into Q2. I can already see 25 to 30 agreements being signed in the next three months."

Mele notes the brand has also secured several area development signings this quarter, which creates the possibility for multiple units in one area. Two of those area development agreements were signed by new, multi-brand franchisees who have in-depth restaurant experience with IHOP, Popeyes and more. A new franchisee in Kansas is planning to open four locations, as is another new franchisee in Michigan. Mele says the brand also recently signed with a franchise partner to bring a whopping six locations to Long Island, New York. 

The Unique Benefits of the Paris Baguette’s Small Footprint, Beloved Consumer Offering and Low Overhead Costs

The COVID-19 crisis forced the vast majority of restaurants to either close or dramatically adapt their operational models, but Paris Baguette maintained consistent sales without having to sacrifice its core business model because of its well-positioned concept and beloved consumer offering.

That core business model offers franchisees access to streamlined operations, a small footprint, low overhead costs, a flexible lifestyle and a unique dedication to handcrafted, house-made offerings. With this winning model, Paris Baguette has established itself as a recession-resistant business opportunity with easy-to-run operations and the potential for high ROI. 

 “It’s been very exciting to see the brand gain more popularity, and now I’m a part of that growth,” said Jung Ahn, who opened a Paris Baguette in Philadelphia in January 2021. “The pastries are so different from anything else out there. I’ve researched the competitors and looked into their business models, and Paris Baguette is hands down the leader in the industry. We’re entering markets that haven’t been tapped before with this type of bakery-cafe model.”

Paris Baguette’s Long-Term Plans for Dominating the Segment

As Paris Baguette continues to attract both first-time franchisees as well as experienced multi-unit investors in the U.S., the internationally-renowned brand is quickly becoming a dominant player in the country’s bakery-cafe segment as well. 

Now, the franchise is ready to bring its increasingly in-demand concept to new markets across the country. Ultimately, the brand’s goal is to have 1,000 units in the U.S. by 2030 and to open its 100th location in 2021.

“We’ve had an influx of inquiries from aspiring franchisees in markets we haven’t even entered yet,” Mele said. “But we’re not growing just for growth’s sake — we’re growing where we see opportunity, and right now we see a huge demand for Paris Baguette — both from potential owners and customers — in cities across the country, and we’re excited to make the most of those opportunities.”

The total investment to franchise with Paris Baguette ranges from $709,193 to $1,386,292, including a $50,000 franchise fee. If you enter into an area development agreement, you must develop a minimum of four stores. For more information on franchising with Paris Baguette, please visit https://us.parisbaguettefamily.com/