Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
Paris Baguette debuts in Hawaii
Paris Baguette's Bishop Street branch in Honolulu, Hawaii / Courtesy of SPC Group
By Park Jae-hyuk
SPC Group opened Hawaii's first branch of Paris Baguette, the company said Monday.
The first outlet of the Korean bakery franchise in the idyllic island state that attracts around 10 million global tourists annually is located in Honolulu's popular Bishop Street.
Since SPC Group entered the Chinese market in 2004, it has opened over 550 stores in 10 foreign countries, including the United States, France, Britain, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Considering Hawaii's status as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, SPC Group plans to open additional Paris Baguette bakeries in the Ala Moana and Pearl City areas.
"Hawaii is one of the world's most popular tourist spots, where we can strategically raise our brand awareness and enhance our brand image," a Paris Baguette official said. "We will seek aggressive global business expansion by continuously entering new markets."
The Bishop Street branch, the 160th Paris Baguette store in the U.S., is located on the first and third floors of the 1000 Bishop building in downtown Honolulu. The area is known as the state capital's core business district, accommodating many business centers and hotels.
SPC Group added that the new store features blue tiles representative of Paris Baguette's brand color and wooden interior design.
The bakery has 40 seats on its terrace so customers can enjoy the island's pleasant weather.