Paris Baguette is one of the fastest-growing bakery-cafe franchises in the U.S. Image via 1851franchise.com

A fast-growing bakery cafe is preparing to open its 51st California location at one of Fresno’s newest shopping centers.

The franchisee leading the brand’s California expansion is a Fresno resident.

Paris Baguette, a South Korean-based bakery that has more than 4,000 locations worldwide, will find a new home in Fresno at 6587 N. Riverside Dr., inside the new Marketplace at El Paseo. According to a news release published by 1851franchise.com, franchisee Anvar Tulyag hopes to open by April 2024.

The Business Journal first reported the lease of the 3,100 square-foot space in July.

“This location is an excellent location to best serve the Fresno community, and we are looking forward to opening Paris Baguette in Fresno in the near future,” Tulyag said.

Tulyag is also an area Baskin-Robbins franchise owner, according to business records with the California Secretary of State. He is a former chief financial officer of Fresno-based irrigation technology firm Netafim USA, according to LinkedIn.

The company aims to sign 160 franchise agreements and open 64 new locations in 2023. President of Construction Bill Zuccarello said that the company will target 23 additional states ranging from California to Maryland and will continue development in New Jersey and New York.

“We are on track to enter 45 new markets by the end of 2023,” said TJ Rogers, franchise sales manager. “Even throughout the pandemic and its aftershocks, we did not shy away from opening additional units and exploring new markets.”

Paris Baguette styles itself as an upscale bakery offering cakes, sandwiches, salads, breads, seasonal specials and beverages including coffee and teas. The bakery also caters beverages, breakfasts, desserts and sandwich and salad trays.

Founded in 1988 in South Korea, Paris Baguette came to the U.S. in 2005 with a Los Angeles store. Since then, the company has opened more than 150 stores in the US and hopes to continue expansion throughout the country.