Paris Baguette, the South‑Korean bakery‑café franchise, opened its first Idaho location on 3395 E. Longwing Lane, Suite 150, at The Village at Meridian. The new café marks the brand’s entry into the Boise‑area market and provides Meridian residents with a new venue for pastries, breads, cakes, sandwiches and handcrafted drinks.
According to Verdict Food Service, the Meridian site is owned and operated by entrepreneur Jay Kim, a veteran of both the military and law‑enforcement sectors. Kim said, “Opening the first Paris Baguette in Idaho is an incredible honor, and I’m excited to introduce this brand to the Meridian community. My military experience taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork and serving others, and those values have carried with me into entrepreneurship.” He added that he looks forward to “building a team, welcoming our neighbors and creating a place where people can come together over great food, coffee and hospitality.”
Paris Baguette CEO Darren Tipton highlighted the company’s broader mission, stating, “We’re on a mission to re‑establish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community across the US, and we’re excited to see Jay bring this to life in his local trade area.” The franchise operates more than 4,000 locations globally, including over 300 bakery cafés across North America, and aims to reach 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada by 2030.
The Meridian opening follows a recent launch in Georgetown, Texas, in August, underscoring Paris Baguette’s continued expansion throughout the United States. By adding a site in Meridian, the brand extends its footprint into Idaho for the first time, offering local families and visitors a new gathering spot that aligns with the company’s “Happy to see you. Happier to serve you.” philosophy.
What’s next: The café is now open to the public, inviting Meridian residents to experience its menu and community‑focused atmosphere. Kim indicated plans to host local events and build a team that reflects the neighborhood’s values, further cementing the café’s role as a community hub.
Sources: verdictfoodservice.com, verdictfoodservice.com
