It's been two years since Paris Baguette made its big plans for the Canadian market known; in October 2021, the global franchise operation made waves by announcing its intention to open 100 locations nationwide, including several in Vancouver.
Now, as 2024 begins, we know where the first Vancouver location of Paris Baguette will be, as signs and window coverings have gone up at 1150 Alberni St.
The city's first Paris Baguette will be in good company, joining neighbours like Michelin Guide-recommended Archer and the upcoming first Canadian location of Din Tai Fung.
After sharing its ambitions for moving into Canada, Paris Baguette secured franchise deals in the Toronto area, as well as in Edmonton and Calgary. The most recent Paris Baguette shop to open is in Calgary at Beacon Hill Shopping Centre which debuted December 22; another Toronto location and one at West Edmonton Mall are listed on the company's website as opening soon.
Paris Baguette bakery chain began in South Korea in the late 1980s
Despite its French-leaning name, Paris Baguette is actually a South Korean company, launched in 1988 "by the Korean businessman Hur Young-in, head of the food and confectionary group SPC," according to The Guardian.
In 2014, Paris Baguette entered the French market, ruffling a few feathers in the process. There are over 4,000 locations world-wide, and the company continues to see massive growth, with over 130 franchise deals inked in 2023 alone.
The brand is known for its menu of grab-and-go foods, like sandwiches - on baguettes - and salads, as well as baked goods like filled croissants, danish, mochi donuts, and cakes. The company's Asian influence is evident in its use of ingredients like red bean paste and rice flour for some of its novelty treats.
As part of its 2021 announcement and ensuing expansion in North America, Paris Baguette indicated ownership sees "Vancouver as a natural expansion market for the brand."
So far, Paris Baguette has not issued any details about its location in the works in Vancouver on Alberni Street. V.I.A. has reached out to Paris Baguette to get more info about the bakery.
Find more delicious Vancouver food and drink video stories by following V.I.A's Forking Awesome TikTok account, @forkingawesomevancouver on Instagram, and signing up for our Forking Awesome newsletter delivered fresh to your inbox every Thursday.
