I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a renowned expert in the hospitality industry with a deep background in travel, tourism, and entertainment. With her extensive experience in events and conferences, Katarina brings a unique perspective to the table as we dive into the remarkable growth story of Paris Baguette. Today, we’ll explore the brand’s impressive climb in industry rankings, their strategic expansion efforts, the secrets behind their strong sales performance, and their commitment to fostering community through the neighborhood bakery café experience.
How significant is Paris Baguette’s ranking at No. 112 on the 2025 Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurants Report, and what does this leap of over 20 spots from last year tell us about their momentum?
This ranking is a huge milestone for Paris Baguette. Landing at No. 112 shows they’re not just holding steady but gaining serious ground among the biggest players in the restaurant industry. Climbing over 20 spots from 2024 reflects their ability to adapt and grow in a competitive market. It’s a clear signal that their focus on quality, guest experience, and strong unit performance is resonating. This kind of jump often comes from a mix of increased sales, strategic expansion, and a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.
What do you believe are the standout factors driving Paris Baguette’s strong sales growth and performance across the board?
I think it boils down to a few key elements. First, their Average Unit Volume nearing $3 million is a testament to how well each location performs individually, which speaks to consistent demand and operational efficiency. Then there’s the product itself—expertly crafted baked goods paired with a warm, inviting café vibe that draws people in. But beyond that, their incredibly loyal guest base plays a massive role. When customers feel a connection to a brand, they don’t just visit once; they become regulars and advocates, spreading the word and fueling organic growth.
Can you walk us through Paris Baguette’s franchise development achievements so far in 2025, and what these numbers mean for their future?
Paris Baguette has had a blockbuster year in franchise development. They’ve awarded over 180 franchise agreements and executed more than 50 leases, which is a clear indicator of confidence from potential partners. Opening 46 new cafés and planning another 50 by year-end shows they’re not slowing down. These numbers aren’t just stats—they signal a brand on the rise, building a footprint that can compete with the biggest names in the industry. It’s about creating a presence that’s both wide-reaching and deeply rooted in local communities.
With such rapid expansion, how does a brand like Paris Baguette maintain quality and consistency across all these new locations?
Rapid growth can be a double-edged sword, but Paris Baguette seems to tackle it by prioritizing strong systems and training. They likely invest heavily in ensuring each franchisee understands the brand’s standards—from baking techniques to customer service. It’s also about supply chain management; making sure every café, whether it’s the first or the 250th, has access to the same high-quality ingredients. And I suspect they keep a close eye on feedback loops, using guest and franchisee input to tweak operations as they scale.
Speaking of milestones, can you share why reaching their 250th North American café in Frederick, MD, is such a big deal for the brand?
Hitting 250 cafés in North America is a landmark achievement, especially for a brand that started franchising in the U.S. just a decade ago. The Frederick, MD, opening isn’t just a number—it symbolizes how far they’ve come in embedding themselves into the fabric of communities across the continent. It shows they’ve cracked the code on adapting a French-inspired concept to diverse markets while maintaining that neighborhood feel. It’s a moment of validation for their vision and a springboard for even bigger goals ahead.
Paris Baguette places a lot of emphasis on finding the right franchise partners. What qualities do you think they prioritize in these relationships?
I believe they look for partners who are passionate about hospitality and community-building, not just folks chasing a business opportunity. They likely want people with a track record of operational success, whether in restaurants or other industries, who can handle the demands of running a café. But more than that, alignment with their mission—reviving the neighborhood bakery experience—is key. They need franchisees who buy into that emotional connection and are committed to delivering joy through every interaction.
How do you think recognitions like being ranked No. 42 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 impact Paris Baguette’s reputation among potential franchisees and customers?
These kinds of accolades are like a stamp of approval in the industry. Being ranked No. 42 in the Franchise 500, and climbing nearly 20 spots, tells potential franchisees that this is a brand with proven systems and growth potential. For customers, it reinforces trust—seeing a brand recognized as the No. 1 Bakery Café concept makes them feel they’re choosing something special. It’s a cycle: the recognition attracts better partners, who in turn elevate the guest experience, which boosts the brand’s standing even more.
What’s your forecast for the future of bakery café concepts like Paris Baguette in the evolving restaurant landscape?
I’m really optimistic about the future for bakery café concepts like Paris Baguette. As people crave more authentic, community-driven dining experiences post-pandemic, these spaces fill a unique niche—they’re not just about food but about connection. I think we’ll see continued growth, especially as they innovate with menu offerings and digital ordering to meet modern demands. The challenge will be balancing that cozy, local vibe with the scale of a global franchise, but if any brand can do it, it’s one with their track record. I expect them to keep climbing the ranks and redefining what a neighborhood café can be.
