The restaurant sector today is confronted with an uncertain market, successively affected by the pandemic, rising energy costs and increasing concerns among consumers about the cost of living. In contrast to this picture, however, franchised concepts appear in rude health. In the run-up to Franchise Expo Paris, to be held from 15 to 17 March 2025, we take a closer look at the chains and brands that form the cornerstone of an entire economic model.
A sector driving franchising, but also the French economy
With 18,029 points of sale in the food sector generating total revenue of €32.45 billion and 262 chains in fast food making €8.91 billion1 in turnover, foodservice features in the top three categories in franchising, and more widely in the French economy.
Theme-driven commercial catering is set to be the definitive mover to watch out for in the years ahead. As an illustration, the segment saw turnover rise by 31.3% and its number of outlets increase by 24.5% in 2023 alone!1 Whether through the emergence of immersive restaurants, those with a festive theme, eco-friendly concepts, or through reinforced loyalty programmes, this growth clearly shows how franchising adapts to new trends in society.
Aided by the influence of social media and artificial intelligence which have enabled many chains to find a footing in this already well-populated market, foodservice looks like it still has a bright future.
And in an environment in constant flux hit by price rises and fierce competition, entrepreneurs interested in catering are increasingly turning to brands and chains with a well-established model, thereby benefiting from a turnkey and reassuring setup.
Catering and food retail: particularly dynamic sectors at Franchise Expo Paris 2025
Every year, almost 40% of the show’s exhibitors hail from the food retail and hospitality sectors.
In the sphere of specialist food retail, 40 exhibitors have so far signed up for the show, including the iconic brands of Leonidas, Dreams Donuts, Picard and Cavavin, but also fast-growing brands such as Boulangerie Feuillette and Ecomiam.
In the general food retail sector, there are 26 exhibitors so far on the list, including several household names (e.g.: Auchan, Spar, Franprix and Carrefour Proximité). There is also a substantial contingent of discount rerail chains (Supeco, Netto, Promocash) alongside specialists in healthy eating (La Vie Claire, Biocoop, Bio C’bon, So.Bio).
Hotels and restaurants are one of the leading sectors at the exhibition, with more than 90 exhibitors so far, including the traditional McDonald’s, Buffalo Grill, Del Arte, Crêpe Touch, Eat Salad, the regional rising stars Ninkasi and Pizza Cosy, and first-timers who are already making some noise; these include Blondie Coffee Shop, a concept founded by the well-known French baker Eric Kayser.
Focus on a few new Franchise Expo Paris 2025 exhibitors
This year there is a genuine trend in American brands aiming to penetrate the French market, as evidenced by the presence of Popeyes and Dunkin’, the latter generating an enthusiastic response from consumers when it announced its arrival in France.
Popeyes, the leader in fried chicken founded in 1972 in New Orleans, stands out through its ‘soul food’ cuisine and its commitment to serve only fresh chicken. The chain, aiming to open 300 restaurants between now and 2032, is banking on franchising to accelerate its development in 2025. Dunkin’, the American colossus specialising in colourful iced donuts, is also making its debut at the show. This emblematic brand, benefiting from a young and trendy image, is preparing to storm the French market and has chosen Franchise Expo Paris as a development vector.
Several rising stars in the sector are promising to win over the hearts of French consumers, all with authentic and original concepts. These include La Cage, a sports bar with an original concept, combining a love of sport with gastronomy in a friendly environment; Bubble Bae Coffee, which redefines the standards of “Diner & Coffee” by surfing on the bubble food trend; Ar Preti, a modern creperie which stands out with its Anglo rock scene inspirations; and Le Paradis du Fruit, which is stepping up its deployment following its acquisition by Groupe Bertrand and a highly successful launch in France.
Also providing evidence that French people are keen to consume local and authentic produce, the show is welcoming new brands with a socially responsible image: Bio C’Bon, offering proof that organic food is continuing to grow; Ecomiam, an all-French concept that innovates through its concept based on fresh and frozen ingredients, offering a convenient and high quality alternative to homemade meals; and Café Feuillette, which offers a modern take on leading French classics, boosted by Boulangerie Feuillette, a concept that combines fast food and artisanal bakery, allowing it to achieve this diversification.
“Hospitality in franchising is continuing its transformational path, incorporating concepts tailored to new market expectations,” says Sylvie Gaudy, exhibition director at Franchise Expo Paris 2025. “The show offers businesspeople a valuable opportunity to discover innovative brands and explore the numerous possibilities that this dynamic sector has to offer. We invite all entrepreneurs to come and discover them on 15, 16 and 17 March this year!”
Franchise Expo Paris, the ideal place to find all the answers
Franchise Expo Paris is the ideal place to meet franchisers, franchisees coming to share their experience, or investors; with nearly 600 exhibitors from 90 different lines of business, and offering a choice of more than 150 talks and workshops, this show is the unmissable event for franchising and entrepreneurship not just in France but also on an international scale.
In the food retail and hospitality sector alone, more than 150 chains are represented at the exhibition.
Talks dedicated to the sector are also lined up:
Entrepreneurs: is there still time to launch a hospitality business? (Food Service Vision)
Saturday 15 March 2025, from 1.35 to 2.10 pm – Hotel, Restaurant and Food Pitch
Coffee Shop, Donuts… the growing momentum of new sweet-based markets!
Saturday 15 March from 4.00 to 4.35 pm – Fast Food Pitch
Food shops: getting ever closer to consumers? Sunday 16 March from 1.35 to 2.10 pm - Hotel, Restaurant and Food Pitch
Street Food: the hospitality of the future?
Sunday 16 March from 4.00 to 4.35 pm – Fast Food Pitch
Fast food: healthy food, a sustainable trend to stand out? Monday 17 March from 4.00 to 4.35 pm – Fast Food Pitch
About the French Franchising Federation
A major player in the dynamism of the French economy, the French Franchising Federation is the professional federation of franchisors and their franchisees since 1971. It represents the franchising model, a model of entrepreneurship based on the transfer of know-how and the sharing of value. Its role is to promote, defend and perpetuate the franchise model, but also to federate its ecosystem and create the tools and the environment for the development and performance of franchise networks. In 1981, the French Franchise Federation created the Franchise Expo Paris exhibition, which has since become a major annual international franchising event.
In France, franchising accounts for 1,972 networks, 84,497 franchised outlets, for a turnover of more than 76.6 billion euros. The activity generates 828,178 jobs (direct and indirect). In 2009, the FFF created the Acadélmie de la Franchise, the first training organisation for franchising professions, whose services are aimed at future franchisees, but also to future and current franchisors.
Infopro Digital is a B2B group specializing in information and technology. Ranked as the 8th largest technology group in France, the group is present in 18 countries and employs nearly 4,000 people. Its innovative solutions are aimed at professional communities in five key economic sectors: Construction & Public Sector, Automotive, Risk & Insurance, Industry, and Retail. Thanks to the group’s sector-specific expertise, Infopro Digital covers all the needs of professionals. Its solutions enable decision-makers to make informed decisions and companies to sustainably develop their business and performance.
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