Le Pain Quotidien

About Le Pain Quotidien

Founded in Brussels in 1990 by chef Alain Coumount, Le Pain Quotidien (French for the daily bread) is an international chain of bakery-restaurants with more than 220 locations in 20 countries. Coumount started the business after becoming dissatisfied with the quality of bread available in Brussels, leading to him crafting his own organic sourdough. In February 2023, it launched its UK franchising model, as it looked to expand across the country. But in May 2023, Propel revealed the business behind Le Pain Quotidien’s UK arm, BrunchCo, had appointed advisors as it considers its options. BrunchCo had acquired 16 of Le Pain’s 26 UK sites through a pre-pack administration in June 2020 and exited several unprofitable sites. The following month, BrunchCo went into administration, with the closure its nine remaining sites. A single Le Pain site run by a different company, SPQ Holdings, remains open at London St Pancras. In July 2023, Annick Van Overstraeten, chief executive of Le Pain Quotidien, told Propel the brand is embarking on “a new chapter” in the UK and is holding talks with potential partners for new franchises here. She said: “By retaining our prime location in St Pancras, we are sticking to London and the UK. Now that the UK has left the EU, Le Pain Quotidien will rely on its franchise model more than ever, as well as the know-how of local partners. Therefore, we are embarking on a new chapter in the UK, with our successful flagship store at St Pancras station in London to be our anchor there. We have decided to fully commit further to this model in the UK as it allows us to grow sustainably.” It was later revealed that Le Pain’s parent company pumped £9.3m into the UK business before it went into administration - the business having sustained losses in each financial year since its incorporation in 2020 - and that discussions with a Ukrainian based company to take over four of its restaurants fell through due to the war there. Subsequently, Ukrainian bakery chain Khlebniy has announced it will make its UK debut in a former Le Pain site in London. In March 2025, Le Pain Quotidien revealed a list of target locations as it seeks franchise partners to start building back its UK estate. A list of target cities includes London, Oxford, Reading, Brighton, Bournemouth, Southampton, Bristol and Bath. Moving north, its target locations include Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and York. Also on the list is Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in Scotland, Cardiff in Wales and Dublin in Ireland. The company said: “This map highlights a selection of potential cities where we are actively seeking to expand. These cities are available for future entrepreneurs to open their own Le Pain Quotidien franchise. Please note this is only a small sample of the numerous locations we have identified for development; it does not represent the complete list of target cities.”

Why franchise with Le Pain Quotidien

• ✓Le Pain Quotidien is seeking dedicated partners to expand the brand, whether in a new country, a region within an existing market or a single bakery. It is seeking franchise partners with local expertise, experience in F&B, financial strength, long term commitment and alignment of core values. Return on investment target is 2.1 to 4.1. Average investment per store is £400,000 for 200 sqm. Term contract is three terms of seven years. Royalties are 7%, including marketing and digital fees and ongoing brand support. Profit potential is 10-15% depending on rent. Development fees are variable, based on territory size and capacity. Annual turnover is £1m and new store opening fee is £20,000. The company said: “We distinguish between one-off set-up costs and ongoing costs. The amounts provided are indicative and based on current actual numbers. As our partnership progresses, we will assist with an in-depth business case and financial plan.” It added: “At Le Pain Quotidien, we believe that food should be simple, nourishing and delicious. That is why we source ingredients that are local and organic wherever possible. We serve a variety of healthy options like organic coffee, pastries, eggs, tartines, soups, salads and desserts. We believe in the importance of a healthy, plant-based diet, so you’ll finds many vegetarian and vegan options on our menus.”