Gigi’s Cupcakes Signs 100-Unit Franchise Agreement in South Korea

Franchise’s First International Deal Highlights Global Demand for Cupcakes

NASHVILLE--()--Gigi’s Cupcakes, America’s largest cupcake and specialty baked goods franchise, has signed a master franchise agreement to develop 100 locations in South Korea in coming years. The deal marks the brand’s first international expansion and highlights the global demand for cupcakes.

Master franchisee Sung Shin-je will develop the specialty bakeries throughout the country, the first of which is projected to open in Seoul in early 2015. Shin-je, an experienced restaurateur, previously was the master franchisee for Pizza Hut in South Korea and opened more than 50 locations for the American pizza chain throughout the country.

“Based on my experience building American brands in South Korea, I’m confident Gigi’s Cupcakes will be a huge success,” said Shin-je. “I was drawn to Gigi’s Cupcakes because of its proven business model and offering of best-in-class cupcakes and baked goods you can’t get anywhere else in South Korea.”

Domestically, Gigi’s Cupcakes plans to open 25 franchise bakeries in 2015 and is actively seeking franchisees to develop additional locations throughout the United States. In recent years, Gigi’s Cupcakes has diversified its menu, adding cheesecakes, cookies, pies and other specialty baked treats, to increase store visits and appeal to more consumers.

“We are thrilled to team up with such an experienced partner as Shin-je to introduce our brand to South Korea,” said Gigi’s Cupcakes CEO Alan Thompson. “The fast growth we are experiencing at home and abroad proves there’s a strong, enduring demand for gourmet cupcakes and baked treats, which Gigi’s Cupcakes plans to fill.”

For more information about franchise opportunities with Gigi’s Cupcakes, visit www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/becomeanowner.

About Gigi’s Cupcakes:

Founded in 2008 as a local boutique bakery in Nashville, Tenn., Gigi’s Cupcakes has grown into America’s largest cupcake franchise with more than 92 locations in 23 states. Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a wide variety of high-quality, freshly baked goods, including cupcakes, cakes, pies, cookies and more. Recipes are created by founder Gigi Butler whose “American dream” story has inspired people across the country. To learn more about Gigi’s Cupcakes, visit www.gigiscupcakes.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/becomeanowner. To learn more about the founder and culinary creator of Gigi’s Cupcakes, visit www.gigibutler.com.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Fishman PR
Bre Whalen, 847-946-1300
bwhalen@fishmanpr.com

Release Summary

America’s largest cupcake and specialty baked goods franchise, Gigi’s Cupcakes, signed a 100-unit franchise agreement in South Korea. This is the company's first deal for international expansion.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Fishman PR
Bre Whalen, 847-946-1300
bwhalen@fishmanpr.com