First Kentucky Paris Baguette to Open in Louisville With Focus on Community and Culinary Mentorship

The Louisville development is led by franchisees Ayesha and Arif Nazir, along with their business partners Mahwish Ijaz and Nawaz Ahmed. The team combines a mix of professional expertise, including Arif’s human-centered health care focus, Ayesha’s background in corporate finance, Mahwish’s restaurant experience and Nawaz’s entrepreneurial perspective. More than opening a bakery café, they aim to create a cultural hub designed to mentor the next generation of culinary talent.

“Our story started as fans of the brand,” Ayesha said. “We realized Louisville needs this hub of culture and we wanted to create a space where we could empower young culinary talent who have the passion but haven't found the right kitchen yet.”

For Mahwish, one of the most encouraging parts of the process has been watching interest build locally. “It’s been exciting seeing the reaction from the community,” she said.

“We’re on a mission to re-establish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community across the U.S., and we’re excited to see Ayesha, Mahwish, Arif, and Nawaz bring this to life in their local trade area,” said Darren Tipton, Chief Executive Officer of Paris Baguette. “In our cafés we like to say, ‘Happy to see you. Happier to serve you.’ And we know Ayesha, Mahwish, Arif, and Nawaz will wholeheartedly embrace this approach in their neighborhood.”