Woops!, a bakery specializing in macarons and other international pastries, has experienced rapid growth since launching its franchise opportunity seven years ago. With 52 locations open, 42 of which are mobile kiosks, the brand is looking to nearly double its footprint by the end of 2019.
Within the past 24 months, the brand has opened 25 locations. Expanding its growth strategy with a focus on mixing both traditional bakeshops and mobile kiosks, Woops! has 16 locations under development and plans to open 80 to 90 additional units this year. By 2022, Woops! hopes to have 250 locations across the United States.
“Establishing a mixed expansion strategy that leans on mobile growth has been instrumental to our success,” says Raj Bhatt, co-founder and CFO of the brand. “Woops! presents a unique opportunity for operators due to our flexible business model that is designed to maximize profits. With lower barriers of entry, operators have a choice to open a kiosk, in-line bakeshop or store front. With most of our franchisees, we see many start with a mobile kiosk and gradually work their way up to opening a store front. No other opportunity provides that flexibility and growth within your own business endeavor.”
A unique business model is the foundation of the Woops! brand. The Woops! journey began in 2012 on a whim when four friends opened a macaron pop-up shop at the Holiday Shops in New York City’s Bryant Park. In nine short weeks they sold 100,000 macarons and developed a cult-like following due to the macarons and aesthetic. The group then realized that “Woops!,” they had a thriving business. Building on the momentum and popularity of Bryant Park, the four friends soon opened boutique mall kiosks in major malls throughout the Northeast.
The close-knit group of friends who founded Woops! are from all over the world: Israel, France, India, and the U.S. Their cultural diversity is integrated not only in the ambiance, but in the menu. Today, Woops! serves handmade classic French macarons in over 20 flavors, as well as 30 other international desserts which are produced in the company’s bakery in New York City, or imported from Europe.
“Not only do we offer flexible business models, but Woops! has been designed to pull in revenue from multiple streams,” adds Bhatt. “50 percent of our business comes from the retail side, and the other comes from our expansive corporate gifting and events business. From business meetings, to weddings, to birthdays and every celebration in-between, Woops! adds the sweetest touch.”
With investments starting at $79,875 for a kiosk and $197,725 for an in-line bakeshop, Woops! offers investors a low entry cost with a high potential return. In 2017, the company’s in-line bakeshops generated average sales of $32,017 per month, and kiosks generated average sales of $24,897 per month in the same year.
