South Korean bakery giant SPC Group announced Thursday the opening of its ninth and tenth Paris Baguette franchise stores in Vancouver, marking another step in its Canadian expansion.

Following successful debuts in major cities like Toronto and Calgary, the new branches aim to strengthen the brand’s foothold in North America. The Coquitlam location, the first to open, sold approximately 4,500 cakes and pastries on its opening day with nearly a hundred customers queuing.

The franchise stores in Vancouver offer a variety of French-inspired treats, including chausson aux pommes, pain au chocolat and feuillete au chocolat, along with the company's flagship fresh cream cakes.

Coquitlam, known for its high foot traffic and ongoing urban development projects, is gaining attention as a future business hub. Meanwhile, the tenth branch on Alberni Street is situated in the heart of Vancouver, surrounded by luxury brand stores and upscale hotels.

With these strategic locations as a launch pad, Paris Baguette will expand its presence throughout the city.

“Vancouver serves as a key economic hub in Canada, characterized by cultural diversity and growth potential,” said a company official. “Moving forward, we plan to expand into all districts in Canada as part of our efforts to capture the North American market.”

By Park Min-ha (en23mp@heraldcorp.com)