When it comes to Paris Baguette coming to Vancouver, the hype has been real.
In October 2021, the global franchise operation made waves by announcing its intention to open 100 locations nationwide, including several in Vancouver.
Fast forward to early 2024, and franchises were announced for Downtown Vancouver and Coquitlam; each of these two first-in-B.C. locations are owned by different franchisees, though both managed to get their doors open around the same time.
Paris Baguette's first Vancouver franchise, located at 1150 Alberni St, soft opened in December and is now gearing up to be in "grand opening" mode starting February 1, 2025. The last few weeks have been critical to the Vancouver franchise in allowing the store team some time to ensure everything is up to standard and meets customer expectations.
Expectations, indeed, are high for a brand like Paris Baguette, as its customer base tends to be "fiercely loyal," as characterized by one of its executives who spoke with V.I.A. in early 2024. There's a reliability in the guest experience that prompts frequent returns, no matter where on the map they're visiting.
Despite its French-leaning name, Paris Baguette is actually a South Korean company. The global giant began in 1988 in South Korea and even entered the French market a decade ago. Before its debut in Metro Vancouver, Paris Baguette added its first Canadian franchises in Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton. There are thousands of Paris Baguette locations open around the world.
So with the first Vancouver Paris Baguette open (and my first visit to the chain, ever), here are some key considerations.
10 things to know about Paris Baguette in Vancouver
1. The selection is almost entirely in line with what you'd find at any Paris Baguette, though there will be some regional items.
2. You can buy cakes by the slice or as whole cakes, either full-size or mini versions. They offer 14 flavours of cake, though right now the strawberries and cream one is the most popular. The mocha cake in full size is shaped like an adorable latte cup, while the rainbow cake tastes like fruity cereal.
3. The cakes at Paris Baguette are known for being not too sweet (it's a whipped cream frosting, not buttercream, for example). That said, the sweetness level for Canadian palates is dialled up just a bit more than you'd find in its native South Korea.
4. It's self-serve, which is a common set-up for Asian bakeries. Customers get trays and tongs at the entrance and serve themselves from the cases. Cakes, however, are not self-serve. Cakes and drinks are ordered at the counter.
5. You can ask for some items to be warmed up. This is ideal if you are going to eat in the café, which has 36 seats.
6. Don't sleep on the savoury items, many of which are South Korean favourites. They have fun items like "Hash Brown Bread" (like a breakfast sandwich with a side of hash browns merged into one unit) and also great lunch items like sandwiches. The croquettes, filled with imitation crab or a mild curry, have a nice crunchy exterior and make for a good snack on the go.
7. Of course you can buy baguettes there! They also use the baguettes for in-house items like a classic ham and cheese sandwich.
8. The Vancouver location is open late - until 11 p.m. - which makes it an option for a post-show/post-dinner treat. But they are also open early--at 6 a.m. daily.
9. There are plans to open more Paris Baguette locations in Metro Vancouver, though no details have been shared yet about specific franchises.
10. There will be some fun promos for the Grand Opening (Feb. 1), including discounts, coupons, and a draw for customers to be entered for a chance to win 10 per cent off all purchases for a year that whole "grand opening" week (Feb. 1-8).
Video: Checking out the new Paris Baguette in downtown Vancouver
@forkingawesomevia Famous South Korean bakery cafe chain Paris Baguette has opened its first location in Vancouver. It’s downtown, by where Din Tai Fung is also opening (soon)! #forkingawesome #vancouverbc #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound - Forking Awesome/V.I.A.
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