Edmonton Journal: Tasting Notes: A sweet method in the Paris Baguette mix

After pursuing ownership with Paris Baguette for over a decade, Eric Chang , the owner of the Paris Baguette café on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, was able to break into the system and bring a longtime favorite to his Western Canada community through the first franchise agreement in the country with the brand!

Chang is a local businessman who has established roots in Edmonton with multiple concepts, including a Korean grocery store, karaoke bar and plant cafe. Now, he has brought the beloved bakery café franchise to the area, too.

As the first franchisee to sign an agreement for development in Canada, Chang will be one of the key drivers of the brand’s growth in the country. With an Edmonton location already open, offering fresh-baked breads, cakes and pastries to the community, Chang is excited to bring the local bakery café back to his area and plans to open five more locations across Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary in the next year or two.

“It’s a very supportive organization, and you work closely with them to get it right,” said Chang. “That’s one of the appealing things about them. I think people here will really like the concept. I don’t see it being much of a challenge once they come by and see what we have to offer.”