As part of its effort to expand in New Jersey, Paris Baguette plans to launch four new cafes.

Under a newly signed development agreement, Earl Koskie will open the locations, which includes an eatery in Old Bridge, and bring the fast casual chain’s total statewide footprint to 28 restaurants.

Popular for its French-style sandwiches, bread, pastries, dessert and coffee, the brand has grown to 4,000 units worldwide – including more than 150 restaurants in the U.S. – since its founding four decades ago in South Korea.

Within New Jersey, Paris Baguette’s other locations include North Brunswick, Red Bank, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Livingston, Northvale, Edison, Palisades Park, Bound Brook, Montvale, Montgomery, Ridgewood and Ridgefield, as well as future spots planned for Paramus, West New York and Cherry Hill, according to the company’s website.

Mark Mele, chief development officer, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to announce additional expansion within New Jersey. There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity in the bakery café space. No other bakery café franchisors are doing what Paris Baguette is on the same scale. Our ability to stay true to our bakery café roots while embracing aggressive expansion has garnered attention, and that only serves to drive us forward.”

Koskie said he believes Paris Baguette is the right franchise opportunity “because of its amazing product line, store design and proven response from communities throughout the United States.”

Paris Baguette did not specify when the cafes would be opening.

With a goal to hit 1,000 locations in the U.S. by 2030, Paris Baguette is targeting new markets, such as Arizona, Florida, North Carolina and Texas, as well as boosting its presence in existing ones, such as New Jersey and New York.

The company – which has its U.S. headquarters in Moonachie – said it plans to add 64 locations, finalize 160 franchise agreements and enter 45 new markets this year.