K-Bread's Reverse Export... Paris Baguette Opens First Franchise Store in Europe, UK

50-Seat Branch in London's Financial Hub Canary Wharf
UK Becomes Third Overseas Franchise After US and China
Plans to Expand to 100 Stores in the UK by 2030

SPC Group's Paris Baguette has opened its first franchise store in Europe, located in the United Kingdom. This marks a significant achievement 10 years after opening its first directly operated store in France in 2014. Paris Baguette plans to open more than 100 stores in the UK by 2030 and expand its franchise business throughout Europe.

SPC Group announced on the 26th that it opened its first European franchise store on the 21st (local time) in the Canary Wharf area, a financial hub in London, UK. With this, Paris Baguette now operates franchise businesses in three overseas countries: the United States, China, and the UK.

SPC Group announced on the 26th that it opened its first European franchise store on the 21st (local time) in the Canary Wharf area, the financial hub of London, UK. Photo by SPC Group

Paris Baguette first entered Europe in 2014 by opening a directly operated store in Paris, France. Eight years later, in 2022, it expanded to London, UK. Since then, it has operated directly managed stores in prime commercial areas of Paris and London, focusing on understanding the local market and enhancing brand awareness, which led to the opening of its first franchise store in London.

Based on the global franchise business experience and operational systems accumulated in the United States and China, Paris Baguette is now embarking on a full-scale expansion into the European market. The company plans to open more than 100 stores in the UK alone by 2030 and expand its franchise business across Europe.

SPC Group announced on the 26th that it opened its first European franchise store in the Canary Wharf area, a financial hub in London, UK, on the 21st (local time). Photo by SPC Group

The Canary Wharf store, the first franchise store in Europe and the third store in the UK, is located on the first floor of the well-known London shopping mall ‘Jubilee Place’ with seating for 50. Canary Wharf is a commercial district blending commercial facilities and residential areas, characterized by high foot traffic and excellent public transportation accessibility. The Canary Wharf store’s interior combines wood and marble materials to harmonize with the modern and sophisticated shopping mall atmosphere, emphasizing an open kitchen to showcase Paris Baguette’s craftsmanship. Paris Baguette offers popular menu items such as sandwiches, pastries, and layered cakes, which have been well received in existing UK stores as well as in global markets including the United States, Canada, France, and Singapore.

The first franchisee of Paris Baguette in Europe is Mr. Wayne Stevenson, who previously lived in Korea. Mr. Stevenson said, "I lived in Korea 20 years ago and frequently visited Paris Baguette because I was impressed by its taste and quality." He added, "When I heard that Paris Baguette was entering the UK market, I immediately contacted the headquarters and became the first to open a franchise store." He further stated, "I believe Paris Baguette’s excellent products and brand will be loved by UK consumers as well."

An SPC Group Paris Baguette official said, “The UK, where the franchise business is well established, is an important base for Paris Baguette’s expansion into the European market. Starting with this first franchise store, we will actively expand our franchise business not only in the UK but throughout Europe.”

Meanwhile, Paris Baguette has expanded into 14 countries including the United States, Canada, France, the UK, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Brunei, surpassing 600 global stores. In the United States and China, where franchise businesses are operated, franchise stores account for more than 90% of total stores, demonstrating successful establishment in local markets.