Fast Casual Makes Multiunit Deal for Arizona Debut

Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisees John and Sue Gilbert are adding to their mix, with plans to bring Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe to Arizona this year.

The first of three Phoenix-area units will open this fall in Scottsdale Quarter shopping center, with subsequent Arizona openings planned for the next three years. The Gilberts, a husband-wife duo, first started franchising with Nothing Bundt Cakes in North Carolina almost a decade ago.

Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe, co-founded by Allison and Ivan Chavez in 2012, offers sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads, paninis, hot drinks and more. Currently, the Houston-based brand has 16 units spanning Texas, Florida, Minnesota and Mexico.

In late January, the chain also announced a record-breaking multiunit agreement with Virentes Partners Group; that deal will bring 15 locations to Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee within the next eight years. With its current expansion deals, the brand is trudging toward a 50-plus-unit store count.