After seven years teaching English in Korea, Steve and Mia Kim’s fondness for Paris Baguette — a beloved bakery-café chain ubiquitous throughout Korea — inspired them to open their own location in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having experienced the brand’s consistent quality, wide variety, and strong presence firsthand, they felt a genuine connection to the products and wanted to share that with their local community.
Steve, with a background in commercial real estate and existing ownership of a Bruster’s Ice Cream franchise, was drawn to franchising not just for business reasons, but because of a personal health scare that shifted his priorities toward doing work they truly love. Both Kims emphasize that they were customers before franchisees — “fans first” — deeply appreciating the cakes, pastries, and the company’s dedication to quality and innovation.
Their Charlotte bakery, set to open on May 22, is situated in a walkable, family-friendly neighborhood near a park, reflecting their commitment to community and local connection. While they’re focusing on operating this first store exceptionally well, their advice to aspiring franchise owners is clear: choose a brand you genuinely believe in, not just one promising profit. For the Kims, passion for the product has been the key to their business journey.
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