I grew up with a Paris Baguette cafe on every corner of my neighborhood.
I grew up in Seoul, Korea.
"Paris Baguette first began in 1988 at a single location and has grown to become the No. 1 franchise bakery in Korea." They first introduced "french-style" baked goods to Korea and now, it's as Korean as kimchee. They've exported the Paris Baguette brand and stores to the US. But only to Koreatowns.
So, to recap: A Korean company creates a French brand and locates it in Korea. Then, it exports the French brand to the U.S., but only to Koreatowns in the U.S. because now, the brand is truly more about being Korean than it is about being French.
The world is indeed flat. All I know is, when I saw a Paris Baguette cafe in the Incheon Airport last week, I felt like I had truly come home.
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