Paris Baguette, the world-renowned bakery-café chain, has made its debut in the UK, bringing its distinctive blend of French-inspired baked goods to British consumers.
Following the successful launch of its first London stores at the iconic Battersea Power Station and on Kensington High Street, Paris Baguette is looking for franchise partners to expand its UK and European operations with the aim of rolling out 450 units across the continent by 2036.
Founded in 1988, Paris Baguette has grown into a global franchise empire with over 4,000 stores across 10 countries including Canada, U.S., Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Korea, and continental Europe, including Paris.
Known for its high-quality, artisanal baked goods and a commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, the brand has become a household name in many parts of Asia, as well as in the U.S., where it has over 135 franchised locations.
With its entry into the UK market, Paris Baguette is aiming to replicate its success in other parts of the world and establish itself as a leading bakery-café destination for British consumers. The brand’s UK operations will be led by a team of experienced food industry professionals, including Nico Gaillot, Chief Operating Officer, who has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector.
Gaillot expressed the company’s enthusiasm for expansion: “We are thrilled to be bringing Paris Baguette to the UK and to be able to share our love of freshly baked treats with more communities. We are seeking franchise partners who share our passion for quality and who are committed to creating unique consumer experiences.
“With the support of Paris Baguette’s management team, our franchisees can expect to achieve success and grow their business.”
Paris Baguette’s mission is to re-establish the neighbourhood bakery-café as the heart of the community. The company achieves this by offering an extensive menu of over 25 premium items that are made fresh in-house throughout the day.
The menu includes signature three-layer cakes, bespoke baguette sandwiches, French-inspired pastries, artisan bread, and locally roasted coffee. All of these items are made with the finest ingredients and prepared fresh on-site every day, creating a perfect blend of a classic bakery, boulangerie, and patisserie.
One of the brand’s signature items is its celebration cake, a delicate layered dessert that is a favourite among Paris Baguette fans worldwide. The brand’s chefs also draw inspiration from Asian cuisine, incorporating flavours like matcha into their creations.
UK expansion goal
While Paris Baguette’s UK operations are still in their early stages, the brand has ambitious plans for expansion in the coming years. The company is seeking franchise partners to help drive growth in the UK and across Europe, with the goal of opening 200 units in the UK by 2036.
“We believe that the UK is a fantastic market for Paris Baguette, and we’re looking for partners who share our passion for quality and innovation to help us expand our presence across the country,” said Gaillot. “Our franchise model is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners succeed, and we’re excited to work with partners who are eager to bring the Paris Baguette brand to their communities.”
As part of its franchise expansion plans, Paris Baguette is also committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The brand has implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives in its stores, including reducing waste and using renewable energy sources. In addition, the brand sources its ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible, supporting small businesses and reducing its carbon footprint.
Paris Baguette’s entry into the UK market comes at a time when the bakery-café segment is experiencing strong growth and increasing competition. According to market research firm Euromonitor International, the UK bakery market is expected to grow by 2.2 per cent in 2023, driven by demand for artisanal and premium baked goods.
In addition to its expansion plans in the UK, Paris Baguette is also targeting growth across Europe, where it sees significant potential for its brand. The company is already establishing a presence in several European countries beyond France, including Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, while looking to partner with local entrepreneurs to help drive growth in these markets.
Paris Baguette’s franchise model is designed to provide partners with the support and resources they need to succeed. Franchisees receive training and guidance on everything from store design and layout to menu development and marketing and have access to the company’s extensive network of suppliers and vendors. They also benefit from Paris Baguette’s established brand and reputation, which helps to drive footfall and generate sales.
Additionally, franchisees receive ongoing support from the company’s management team, who are committed to ensuring the success of every franchisee and will provide on-the-ground support for the first 10 days of a café opening. In addition, Paris Baguette’s franchise model is flexible and adaptable, allowing partners to tailor their stores and menus to the needs of their local communities.
The initial franchise fee for a Paris Baguette café is £50,000 for one site or £40,000 for multiple sites, with a minimum investment required of £500,000. This includes the cost of site selection, construction, equipment, inventory, and two months of training for bakers, general managers, and front-of-house staff. With projected annual retail sales for a Paris Baguette café ranging from £1.5m to £2m, franchisees can expect to turn a profit within three years while earning a salary during the initial years.
Paris Baguette has also won numerous awards for its exceptional quality premium treats and franchise model. In 2022, the brand ranked 25th in the Franchise Times Top 500 list – the most comprehensive ranking of the 500 largest franchise systems in the U.S. by global systemwide sales. This year, Paris Baguette was recognised as the number one Bakery Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500.
Paris Baguette has a strong track record of success with over 4,000 stores operating worldwide, of which 3,800 are franchised. The franchise model has been particularly successful in the U.S., where the company is opening a new café every week.
U.S. multi-unit success
Since first arriving on American shores in 2005, Paris Baguette has already established 135 franchised locations, distinguishing itself as a dominant player in the bakery café industry. Many American franchisees are returning for multi-unit deals as they continue to see great success in existing locations with cafés that are producing upwards of $5m in revenue.
As the brand continues to expand, there are numerous opportunities for franchisees to achieve success and grow their business. Paris Baguette is actively seeking franchise partners in the Greater London area, with plans to roll out across the rest of the UK and Europe over the next several years.
The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following among consumers around the world, and Paris Baguette is confident that it can replicate its success in the UK and Europe. As the company looks to expand its footprint in these markets, it remains committed to its core values of quality, freshness, and sustainability, and to providing customers with an exceptional bakery-café experience.
Paris Baguette’s entry into the UK market represents a significant milestone for the brand and a testament to its continued global growth.
With its commitment to quality and sustainability and proven franchise model, Paris Baguette is well-positioned to become a leading player in the UK bakery market and expand its presence across Europe in the years to come.
For entrepreneurs and business owners looking to join a dynamic and innovative brand with a proven track record of success, Paris Baguette represents a compelling opportunity to tap into the growing demand for artisanal and premium baked goods and bring a unique and exciting concept to their communities.
To learn more about Paris Baguette click here.
Posted: 28th May, 2023