CJ Foodville, the operator of the popular bakery chain Tous Les Jours and a subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate CJ Group, is set to expand its presence in North America with the establishment of a franchise training center in California.
Announced by CJ Foodville on Sunday, the move comes in response to a surge in franchise inquiries across the United States, fueled by the growing demand for K-bakery products. With all franchise contracts for the current year already secured and contracts for 2025 in progress, Tous Les Jours is making strides in solidifying its footprint in the region.
Currently, Tous Les Jours operates stores in more than half of the U.S. states, boasting prime locations in key cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey. The brand’s success in North America is evident, with CJ Foodville’s sales surpassing 100 billion won ($74 million) in the region last year, largely attributed to the popularity of its bakery chain.
The forthcoming training center in California marks a significant step towards CJ Foodville’s ambitious goal of establishing 1,000 stores in North America by 2030. Leveraging nearly three decades of experience in domestic franchise operations, the center will offer a comprehensive franchise education program.
The program will encompass various aspects, including production training for cakes, bread, and sandwiches, theoretical education, point-of-sale (POS) training, and operational practices. CJ Foodville attributes its success in the U.S. market to its diverse product strategy, boasting an array of over 400 different items, a departure from the limited assortments typically found in local bakeries.
Moreover, the company has demonstrated agility in responding to emerging trends, notably the rising popularity of plant-based products in the U.S. In June 2023, CJ Foodville launched two types of plant-based bread, which have witnessed notable sales performance.
To meet the increasing demand from franchises, CJ Foodville is accelerating the establishment of a new production facility in Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia. With an investment exceeding 50 billion won, the facility aims to ensure the swift supply of fresh products across the North American region.
Scheduled to commence construction this year, the new factory is projected to be operational by the end of 2025, further bolstering CJ Foodville’s capabilities in catering to the evolving needs of its expanding franchise network in North America.