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A second Parisian-themed cafe chain is heading to the Tampa Bay region.
A spokesperson for Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café says the brand, which specializes in sweet and savory crepes, hot drinks, waffles, salads and more, has found a strategic partner to open at least one store in the Tampa Bay area. The partners are scouting sites.
Houston-based Sweet Paris says it signed agreements that will bring 15 locations to multiple new markets across the South. Through a multi-unit deal and strategic partnership with Virentes Partners Group, Sweet Paris plans to open a minimum of one store in 2024 and all 15 locations within the next eight years. That would bring the chain's total to 54 locations.
The areas targeted include Tampa Bay; Orlando; Jacksonville; Raleigh, North Carolina; the Piedmont Triangle in North Carolina; and the greater Nashville area.
The Virentes Partners Group is a multifamily office "that invests in branded concepts and has more than 100 years of combined experience as operators of businesses, including food and beverage," according to Sweet Paris officials.
The Virentes group is headquartered in South Carolina with an additional base in Florida.
After researching more than 50 food and beverage concepts, the Virentes Partners Group chose Sweet Paris because "of its unique and elevated product offering, admiring the fact that it is more than a restaurant but an experience for all guests," say Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café officials.
"We are excited to introduce Sweet Paris into new territories," says Jim D’Aquila, the managing member of Virentes Partners Group, in the release. "The festive atmosphere within a Sweet Paris location, the proficiency of the operations, and the extraordinarily wonderful culinary offerings and hospitality set Sweet Paris apart from other concepts in the restaurant industry."
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café has two Florida stores: in Doral and Coral Gables. The company says it is looking for more franchise partners.
It's the second time in a month a French-style eatery has eyed Tampa Bay, as well as Naples and Sarasota. In late January, Paris Baguette, a bakery and cafe franchise with 4,000 stores worldwide, announced plans for 40 locations in Florida in the next few years, with at least six coming to Gulf Coast spots including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples.
Paris Baguette is also looking for at least two partners in Tampa and St. Pete.
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