The franchise deal follows similar agreements in nearby Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, with Brussels-based Le Pain Quotidien also set to launch in India and Peru next year
Le Pain Quotidien operates more than 200 outlets across 18 markets globally | Photo credit: Le Pain Quotidien/Facebook
Belgian bakery-café chain Le Pain Quotidien has announced plans to further scale its international presence with an agreement to enter Uzbekistan.
Le Pain Quotidien, which currently operates across 18 markets globally, has signed a franchise agreement with Restofoods LLC to launch in the central Asian country. The business has not disclosed a planned launch date nor how many stores its plans to open.
“I’m truly excited to bring Le Pain Quotidien to this beautiful country and to begin this journey together with such passionate partners. Thank you again for your generosity and support—I'm looking forward to the future,” said Annick Van Overstraeten, CEO, Le Pain Quotidien.
The move come shortly after Le Pain Quotidien announced plans to re-enter India after signing a master franchise agreement with Bake & Brew Private Limited. The bakery-café chain also has agreements in place to open stores in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Peru.
Uzbekistan’s branded coffee shop market is heavily centred on the capital city Tashkent. The market leader Caffelito Coffee has 35 stores in the city, with specialty coffee shop Coffee Lab and international brands Gloria Jean’s, Black Bear Kofi and Boost Coffee also present. UK coffee chain Costa Coffee entered Uzbekistan in July 2023 and now operates three stores in Tashkent.