International bakery-cafe chain Paris Baguette will open its first Canadian location on the luxury stretch of Bloor Street West in Toronto. The retailer is operating under a franchise model and is also targeting the Vancouver and Montreal markets as part of a national expansion.
The first Toronto storefront for Paris Baguette will be located in a retail space formerly occupied by Browns Shoes at 110 Bloor Street West. The space measures about 2,500 square feet at street level according to lease plans. Neighbours will include some of the world’s top luxury brands including names such as Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and others.
Geoff Smith of CBRE represented Paris Baguette in the lease deal. Arlin Markowitz of CBRE co-listed the space at 110 Bloor with Philip Traikos and Carmen Siegel of Cushman and Wakefield.
Paris Baguette is a global brand owned by South Korean food-and-beverage company SPC Group that operates more than 80 corporate and franchise bakery-cafés throughout the United States and over 6,000 internationally. The premium bakery-cafe concept focuses on handcrafted breads, pastries and cakes, as well as chef-inspired sandwiches and salads. Included are various grab-and-go menu items that will offer a food experience on a stretch of Bloor Street lined primarily with luxury brand storefronts.
In October 2020, Paris Baguette announced its presence in Canada via a registered Franchise Disclosure Document. At the time the company said that it was charting the course on a Canadian expansion in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and other “booming” provinces and cities. Paris Baguette said in a statement that its goal is to establish at least 100 bakery branches in Canada by 2030.
“We look forward to building our footprint in Canada through franchising,” said Gregg Koffler, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development in a statement last year. “Consumers are continuing to chose quick service restaurants and, as such, we see a great deal of opportunity for business owners looking for a tried and true business model, that offers gourmet menu selections for dine-in, delivery or takeout.”
“We offer multi-faceted store footprints and our concept succeeds in a variety of environments, from city centers to suburban shopping complexes. Pairing that with our global identity and real estate team, we are confident that Paris Baguette is positioned to resonate with an array of communities in Canada.”
Big changes are coming to 110 Bloor Street West. We reported last month that upscale Paris-based women’s fashion brand Anne Fontaine would also be opening in the commercial podium which is seeing a roster of new tenants that will coincide with the updating of the property that includes a new retail facade. ProWinko owns the commercial podium of 110 Bloor.
