The French Workshop Sets Sights on U.S. Growth Through Franchising
An authentic French bakery-café is gearing up for national expansion with a thoughtful, franchise-driven plan.
The French Workshop, a beloved bakery-café inspired by the neighborhood pastry shops of Paris, has announced it will begin franchising to bring its traditional French fare to more communities across the country. The brand also expects to open its fifth company-owned location by the end of the year in a growing area—another sign of steady, deliberate growth.
From Craft to Community: A Young Brand With Deep Roots
Founded in 2015, The French Workshop has quickly become a local favorite. Guests come for the classics—pastries, cakes, pies, croissants, and sandwiches—and stay for the coffee and tea that round out the experience. A hallmark of the brand is transparency and craft: customers can watch skilled pastry chefs at work, shaping dough, torching sugar, and finishing delicate layers right in front of them. That live craft element, paired with consistent quality, has helped the concept build a loyal following and a strong foothold in the growing U.S. bakery market.
Why Franchising, and Why Now?
The move to franchise comes after careful planning. “After several years of planning, we have established the necessary infrastructure and resources to support our franchise partners and the major initiative of franchising,” said Graham Buckley, the VP of Franchising. He pointed to the strong loyalty at existing locations—and the opportunity to echo that success in new markets nationwide—as key reasons to open the doors to qualified operators.
Serving Real Demand, All Day Long
With relatively little direct competition in the fast-casual space focused on French bakery-café offerings, The French Workshop is positioned to meet growing demand for high-quality, approachable French flavors. Franchisees will offer a menu designed to work from morning through evening: think Crème Brûlée Cheesecake with raspberry preserves, a Bavarian Cream Croissant, a Chorizo Egg White and Cheddar sandwich, and the refreshing Iced Nutella Latte. Each item is crafted to be craveable on its own, yet part of a broader lineup that invites repeat visits throughout the day.
Operational Backbone: A Partnership That Scales
Underlying the brand’s expansion is a long-standing partnership with the Zorbas Group, which has operated more than 80 food-focused establishments since the 1970s. That relationship strengthens production and supply chain management, allowing The French Workshop to retain direct control rather than relying on larger, less nimble suppliers. The result: a streamlined operation with the consistency guests expect and the cost discipline franchisees need. The company reports an Average Unit Volume (AUV) of over $5 million and system-wide sales of $18 million.
Quality That Holds, Prices That Make Sense
Theodora Christophorou, Vice President of The French Workshop, stressed the impact of the Zorbas relationship. “By collaborating with Zorbas, we provide guests with delightful sweet and savory items renowned for their quality while maintaining reasonable prices. This partnership has made it possible to offer an outstanding experience for our customers and keep costs manageable for franchisees,” she said. CEO Demetris Zorbas echoed the focus on systems that simplify operations as the brand grows.
What Franchisees Can Expect
Support is built into the model. The French Workshop provides hands-on help with site selection, real estate, construction, and design so each location opens on the right foot. Owners receive comprehensive training and ongoing development through an advanced Learning Management System (LMS) that covers every part of running the business—from daily operations to guest service standards. The aim is straightforward: confident owners, consistent teams, and a guest experience that feels the same from one café to the next.
Thoughtful Expansion, Market by Market
The French Workshop is seeking experienced restaurant operators who see the value in a refined, daylong bakery-café. Expansion will be strategic, with careful attention to planning and support for each new opening. The brand is eyeing opportunities across various states on the East Coast and is inviting operators to help bring new locations to promising communities.
In short, the plan is measured: protect the craft, back it with systems, and grow with partners who care about both. One bakery, one standard—repeated with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The French Workshop?
The French Workshop is a French bakery-café known for classic pastries, cakes, pies, croissants, sandwiches, and a full coffee and tea program—crafted in an open setting where guests can watch pastry chefs at work.
When was The French Workshop founded?
The French Workshop was established in 2015 and has grown steadily since, building a loyal customer base and a reputation for consistent quality.
What can I expect on the menu?
Expect French-inspired favorites designed for all-day dining, including items like Crème Brûlée Cheesecake with raspberry preserves, a Bavarian Cream Croissant, a Chorizo Egg White and Cheddar sandwich, and the Iced Nutella Latte.
How does franchising support owners?
Franchise partners receive help with site selection, real estate, construction, and design, plus in-depth training and an advanced Learning Management System (LMS) that covers daily operations and customer service.
Where is The French Workshop focusing its expansion?
The brand is pursuing strategic growth across various states on the East Coast and is seeking experienced restaurant operators to open new bakery-cafés in promising communities.
