Who Owns Paris Baguette?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris Baguette is a popular bakery chain that originated in South Korea. It has since expanded globally, with locations in countries such as the United States, China, and France. However, many people are curious about who actually owns this beloved bakery.

The Founder of Paris Baguette

The founder of Paris Baguette is a man named Hur Young-In. He opened the first Paris Baguette location in 1988 in South Korea. Hur was a pastry chef before he started his own bakery chain, and he wanted to bring French-style bread and pastries to South Korea.

The Ownership of Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette is currently owned by SPC Group, a food and beverage conglomerate based in South Korea. SPC Group acquired Paris Baguette in 2011 for a reported $320 million.

SPC Group was founded by Hur’s father, Hur Young-Chi. The company has several other food-related subsidiaries besides Paris Baguette, including coffee shops and restaurants.

Controversies Involving Paris Baguette

Despite its popularity, Paris Baguette has faced several controversies over the years. One such controversy involved allegations of employee mistreatment. In 2013, an investigation found that some employees were forced to work long hours without proper compensation or breaks.

Another controversy involved accusations of food safety violations. In 2017, one location was found to have stored expired ingredients and insects in its kitchen.

However, SPC Group has taken steps to address these issues and improve its operations. The company has implemented new training programs for employees and increased its focus on food safety.

  • The Bottom Line:

In conclusion, Hur Young-In founded Paris Baguette with the goal of bringing French-style pastries to South Korea. Today, the bakery chain is owned by SPC Group, which has several other food-related subsidiaries. While Paris Baguette has faced controversies in the past, the company is working to improve its practices and maintain its reputation as a beloved bakery chain.