Paris Baguette has opened its first outlet in Canada, the bakery chain said Thursday.The latest opening brings the total number of the chain's overseas outlets to 450 in 10 countries including France, the U.K., the U.S. and Vietnam. The first one opened in Beijing, China in 2004. The Canadian bakery with some 20 seats is located on Yonge Street in Toronto's bustling commercial district. The chain usually operates its first branch in a country directly, but chose to let a franchisee run the outlet in Toronto.
A Paris Baguette staffer said, "Half-processed dough is sent from Korea, while the franchise store procures the other ingredients in Canada." The staffer added that the chain's high brand awareness in Canada enabled the company to let a franchisee operate the first outlet there.The Toronto store features salads, sandwiches and strawberry shortcakes as its main menu items, which have proven popular in Europe and the U.S., according to the staffer. Paris Baguette has been stepping up its forays into the North American market with a view to opening more than 1,000 outlets by 2030. It opened its 100th store in the U.S. early this year and aims to expand the number to 160 by the end of the year. In Canada, it plans to open seven more stores within the year.
