Paris Baguette America appoints new Chief Development Officer

Paris Baguette is on track to reach 180 US stores by the end of 2023 | Photo credit: Paris Baguette America

Paris Baguette America has appointed Eric Lavinder as its new Chief Development Officer. 
 

Lavinder, who previously held the same role at Pennsylvania-based Duck Donuts, joins Paris Baguette America during a period of sustained outlet growth for the brand. 

See related content: Paris Baguette: America’s rising star 

The bakery café chain, which reported opening a new café every week earlier this year, is on track to reach 180 US stores by the end of 2023 and has set an ambitious goal of reaching 1,000 stores across North America by 2030. 

“I am thrilled to have joined the Paris Baguette Team. This is an incredible brand with amazing growth and a strong future trajectory. The expertly crafted baked goods and made to order beverages are made with only the finest and freshest ingredients. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Paris Baguette brand at such a key inflection point in its North American growth,” Lavinder said. 

Lavinder replaces Mark Mele, who held the Chief Development Officer role from November 2020 until August 2023.

Paris Baguette America has signed 98 franchise deals so far in 2023 and expects to open a total of 64 outlets before the end of 2023. The bakery café chain has also reported monthly increases in customer footfall and average unit volume this year. 
 

In July 2023, Paris Baguette America announced plans to nearly double its footprint in New York state over the next three years. The business is also seeking to steadily expand in Canada following its market entry in March 2023.