New York City’s world-famous Magnolia Bakery is expanding into New Jersey with a string of shops owned and operated by local franchisees.

The openings will begin this fall in South Jersey at Centerton Square in Mount Laurel, according to the company’s website. Details on additional stores that may open in the region were not immediately available.

Additionally, at least a half dozen sites will arrive in North Jersey via deals with two separate franchisees. Magnolia Bakery has not said where or when those outposts will launch, but said the chain is targeting Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties.

Magnolia Bakery opened as a single bakeshop 30 years in the West Village. Since then, it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. The bakery is best known for its banana pudding and other scratch-made classics, including cupcakes, cookies and cakes.

Magnolia Bakery has evolved beyond its brick-and-mortar presence to offer direct-to-consumer treats through its online storefront and at grocery stores with its banana pudding cookies.

View this post on Instagram

Magnolia on the rise

Though the company has been involved with international franchising since 2011, Magnolia Bakery’s domestic franchise program rolled out only last year.

For U.S.-based entrepreneurs, Magnolia Bakery offers two formats: a flagship bakery featuring full on-site production and a smaller no-bake concept designed for more compact markets. Initial investment costs range from $696,000 to $1.2 million for flagships and from $500,000 to $702,000 for no-bake locations.

New Jersey is among the markets being targeted for growth via multi-unit franchise agreements. Magnolia Bakery has also signed development deals in Connecticut, Kentucky, Ohio and Utah.

Currently, the chain has 10 company-owned and operated locations in the U.S. as well as 40 corporate sites internationally. By the end of 2026, it expects to have 19 domestic bakeries and 50 global stores, Magnolia Bakery has said.

The brand also expects to continue strengthening its retail, e-commerce and consumer packaged goods businesses, according to the company.