Bakery café chain Paris Baguette is celebrating the launch of its 25th outpost in New Jersey.

Located at 321 Mount Hope Ave. in Rockaway, the new spot is scheduled to begin welcoming customers June 14. Following a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, the festivities will include free samples and family-friendly activities.

Known for its French-style sandwiches and freshly baked bread, pastries, dessert and coffee, Paris Baguette has grown to 4,000 units worldwide since its founding four decades ago in South Korea. After opening its first stateside location in 2005, the chain now has more than 220 stores here.

As part of a nationwide expansion effort, Paris Baguette aims to hit 1,000 locations across the U.S. by 2030. The company has its North American headquarters in Moonachie.

Rockaway will be the brand’s second site in Morris County. The fast-growing chain made its local debut in Morristown last fall when husband-wife team Fahad Kanaheh and Susan Saa opened a Paris Baguette on Lafayette Avenue.

Finding franchising

Vishal Juneja, an Edison husband and father of two, owns and operates the upcoming location. A former senior vice president of technology on Wall Street, Juneja said franchising drew him as a way to align his professional values and personal values.

After becoming familiar with Paris Baguette during family outings and seeing how much they loved the brand, Juneja said he wanted to become a franchisee. “This opening is incredibly special to me because it’s more than a bakery — it’s a space built on heart, hospitality and community. I’m excited to bring that Paris Baguette magic to Rockaway and to create a place where people feel truly welcome,” he shared.

Following the grand opening, the store will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The location will offer dine-in and delivery as well as catering.

Paris Baguette CEO Darren Tipton noted the company’s focus on growing meaningful partnerships with franchisees “who show a genuine interest in uniting their neighbors through connections over fresh-baked goods and artisan coffee beverages.”

“We’re on a mission to re-establish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community across the U.S., and we’re excited to see Vishal bring this to life in his local trade area,” he said. “In our cafes we like to say, ‘Happy to see you. Happier to serve you.’ And we know Vishal will wholeheartedly embrace this approach in his neighborhood.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:47 a.m. EST June 11, 2025, to correct the spelling of Vishal Juneja’s name.