1992
6
$250,000
$35,000
$984,000
No
Café D'Avignon is a premium artisanal bakery and café that brings the rich flavors of French and American pastry traditions to the heart of New York City. Founded by a group of childhood friends from the former Yugoslavia, the brand began as Pain d'Avignon in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1992. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved NYC institution known for its exceptional quality and commitment to old-world baking techniques.
The café's offerings include a wide range of freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and specialty third-wave coffee, all served with a focus on quality and authenticity. With a strong presence in New York City and a growing footprint in Florida, Café D'Avignon is now expanding its franchise opportunities across the United States, inviting passionate entrepreneurs to join its journey.
Established Year: 1992 – Café D’Avignon originally began as Pain d’Avignon in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, founded by a group of childhood friends from the former Yugoslavia. Its mission was to bring authentic European baking traditions to the U.S. market.
Founders: Tole Zurovac, Bane Stamenkovic, and Uliks Fehmiu – Their combined expertise in business, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship shaped the brand into a premium bakery and café experience.
Brand Journey & Company History:
1992: First bakery established in Cape Cod as Pain d’Avignon.
2000s: Expanded to New York City, rebranding as Café D’Avignon, and gained a loyal following among locals and tourists.
2010s: Opened flagship locations in key NYC markets such as Essex Street Market and Dekalb Market Hall.
2020s: Expanded further with franchising opportunities in Florida and plans for additional U.S. locations.
Ownership: Privately held by the original founders, maintaining tight control over quality, branding, and customer experience.
Franchise Units: Currently 3 corporate-owned locations and 6 franchised units in development.
Market Presence in the USA: Café D’Avignon is primarily concentrated in New York City, with a growing presence in Florida. Its reputation as a premium bakery-café brand positions it within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and specialty café sectors.
Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Specialty Café / Artisan Bakery
Other Notable Information:
Known for fresh, artisanal breads, pastries, sandwiches, and specialty coffee.
Emphasizes old-world baking techniques combined with modern café service.
Focused on high-traffic urban areas with strong foot traffic and demographic fit.
Combines corporate-owned stores with franchising to strategically expand across the U.S.
Café D'Avignon offers a robust support system for its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance in site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Comprehensive Training: Extensive initial training covering all aspects of operations, including baking techniques, customer service, inventory management, and financial oversight.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in daily operations to maintain consistency and quality across all locations.
Marketing Assistance: Access to branded materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing support to drive customer engagement and sales.
Supply Chain Management: Established relationships with suppliers to ensure the consistent quality of ingredients and products.
Technology Integration: Implementation of point-of-sale systems and other technological tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
The ideal Café D'Avignon franchisee:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Possesses a strong desire to own and operate a business with a passion for the food and beverage industry.
Business Acumen: Demonstrates experience in managing operations, finances, and staff, preferably in the foodservice or retail sectors.
Customer-Focused: Commits to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining high-quality standards.
Financial Capability: Meets the financial requirements, including a minimum net worth and liquid capital.
Location Preference: Interested in establishing a presence in high-traffic areas with a strong demographic fit for the brand.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $287,600 – $984,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Minimum Cash Investment | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $150,000 – $500,000 (depending on location size & lease conditions) |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Expected ROI | 20 – 30% annually (location-dependent) |
| Revenue Streams | Baked goods, beverages, catering, merchandise sales |
| Franchise Units Available | 6 units in development (in addition to 3 corporate-owned) |
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