Following tremendous growth in US franchise development, Paris Baguette decided to widen its North American scope to include expansion in Canada. Initial growth in Canada will be concentrated in Ontario, focusing on the Greater Toronto Area; in Alberta, with locations in Edmonton and Calgary; and in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“We felt like the bakery café space needed a Paris Baguette,” says Mark Mele, chief development officer. “The people in Canada know Paris Baguette, and when we looked at what province or provinces we would roll out in, the natural progression would be to roll into Toronto, Alberta, Edmonton and Vancouver because of that population explosion.”

The bakery-café chain’s first Canada location opened in Toronto in March, and nearly 20 additional franchise agreements have been executed as well. Paris Baguette aims to open a total of seven bakery-cafés in the country before the end of the year.

“The expansion of our bakery cafés into Canada marks an exciting period of growth for Paris Baguette,” said Darren Tipton, chief executive officer, Paris Baguette North America, back in March. “We can’t wait to celebrate moments of joy with our guests as we establish our neighborhood bakery cafés in Toronto and bring our vision to life throughout Canada.”