Zac Sulma was recently appointed chief operating officer at Paris Baguette North America, and will oversee operational strategy while ensuring that processes, systems, and execution are designed to support sustainable growth.
He will lead operations as the brand scales across the US toward its target of 1,000 cafés by 2030. He will work to improve operational workflows to drive growth while maintaining a focus on supporting franchise owners, according to press statements from Paris Baguette.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Zac to the Paris Baguette family,” said CEO Darren Tipton. “His proven track record of driving operational excellence and people-first mentality align perfectly with Paris Baguette’s goals and values. His leadership will be crucial in supporting our franchisees as we all work to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the communities we serve.”
Sulma’s vision and values align with those of Paris Baguette. In addition, Sulma has prior professional experience with Tipton and other members of the leadership team.
Sulma’s Approach and Background
“I’m incredibly excited to be at Paris Baguette,” Sulma said. “The culture and expectation of success, all with a strong emphasis on the people-first mentality, is always front and center. The number one goal for me, as we work toward 1,000 cafés, is to do that effectively. It’s not just a 1,000-unit finish line; our focus is on getting there with efficient, high-performing cafés while maintaining the operational performance of our current locations.”
Sulma’s focus on enhancing the operational framework to support this growth will ensure both new and existing franchisees are set up for long-term success.
“I am bringing a high level of operational excellence, and I tie our franchisees’ success with my success,” he said. “We must remember what and who got us to the point where we are today and continue to serve the franchisees who have already become established with the brand. They are just as important as the new franchisees we are trying to attract. People are the most important; my ‘client’ is my team and franchisees, and they will see they’re truly important in how we operate on a daily basis.”
Sulma previously served in multi‑unit operations across the entertainment and hospitality sectors, and has worked with Tipton and other members of the leadership team.
About Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette has its North American headquarters in Moonachie, NJ, and is a global bakery café franchise that has expanded significantly in the U.S. and Canada. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered at 137 W. Commercial Ave., Moonachie, New Jersey.
The South Korea-based multinational bakery-café chain currently has close to 260 units across North America and more than 4,000 units worldwide. In August 2025, the company announced a milestone with the launch of its 250th café in North America at 520 Snowshill Street in Frederick, Maryland.
The company is known for its French-inspired bakery fare, including gourmet sandwiches, pastries, bread, cakes, and coffee.
Paris Baguette has now achieved its 19th consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales growth — and continues to exceed the $2.8 million average unit volume represented in the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.