International bakery expands to Hawaii

Paris Baguette is expanding its first four stores to Hawaii. The company is owned by SPC Group of South Korea. Mark Mele said that the new stores will be located on Oahu. Two of them are in Downtown Honolulu and one is in Ala Moana. A fourth location near Pearl City will also be added.

Mele stated that "They are high-profile sites." We would call them A+ sites for Paris Baguette and the brand. They'll be great, and bring something new to the state.

According to a company press release, the bakery and café sells its breads, pastries and cakes in more than 4,000 locations around the world. Paris Baguette started franchising the U.S. in 2015. Today, 135 stores are open in the U.S., and another 70 are in various stages of construction.

He said that by the end of this year there will be 200 locations open, and he hoped it would include Downtown [Honolulu]. The product is incredible."

Mele confirmed that leases had been signed for all four Hawaii locations, but did not reveal the exact locations. Robert Kurisu will be the franchisee of all four locations, Mele said. He said that he planned to have at least one café open in Downtown Honolulu this year, and then others.

Mele stated that the cost to open a Paris Baguette was about $1.4million, which included the set-up fees, initial franchise fees, leasehold improvements and permits, as well as the buildout costs, furniture, and equipment. According to the website of the company, franchise owners must have a networth of $1.5m and $500,000 in liquid assets.

Mele stated that Paris Baguette will be opening in Canada next year. Mele said that the company has already established itself in France, UK, and several Asian countries. According to the company, each location can create 15 to 20 new jobs.