Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien is a bakery-restaurant group known for its organic breads, pastries, and approachable all-day café menu. The company began in 1990 when Belgian chef Alain Coumont opened a single bakery in Brussels, inspired by his search for traditional, rustic breads reminiscent of his childhood. The original shop’s communal table quickly became a hallmark of the brand, fostering a sense of community that remains central to its identity.

Over the past three decades, Le Pain Quotidien has grown from that one bakery into an international presence. As of November 2025, the company operates about 220 restaurants across 17 countries, with a strong concentration in major cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Dubai. The brand’s footprint covers both company-owned and franchised locations, adapting its café format to suit dense urban neighborhoods, affluent suburbs, and high-traffic travel hubs.

A significant milestone in the company’s recent history occurred in 2020, when Aurify Brands acquired the U.S. operations out of bankruptcy. While the global business continues under PQ Licensing S.A., this transition allowed Le Pain Quotidien to stabilize and refocus its growth in the United States. Over the last five years, the company has prioritized expansion in cosmopolitan markets, opening new locations in Dubai and actively seeking sites in cities with strong daytime populations and high visibility.

Le Pain Quotidien’s reputation for quality ingredients, simple menus, and a welcoming atmosphere has helped it maintain credibility as an adaptable café concept. The brand’s ability to evolve its store formats and pursue selective growth in both established and emerging markets positions it as a reliable tenant for a variety of commercial settings.