Demand Fuels Bold Restaurant Push (Image Credits: Flickr)
BK Franchise, the New Jersey-based arm of Asian supermarket giant H Mart, unveiled plans for a nationwide rollout of its signature coffee shop and bakery brands amid rising interest in Asian flavors.[1]
Demand Fuels Bold Restaurant Push
Rising appetite for Asian-inspired food and drinks prompted BK Franchise to accelerate growth for two standout concepts. Ten Thousand, a specialty coffee shop originating from Sydney, Australia, already boasts success in markets like Taiwan and Vietnam. The brand redefines coffee experiences with global appeal. L’AMI Bakery & Café, meanwhile, blends traditional Korean baking techniques with contemporary twists to attract modern palates.[1]
Executives at BK Franchise positioned 2026 as a defining moment. The company secured 20 franchise agreements for Ten Thousand last year alone. Openings will unfold progressively across several states. This momentum reflects confidence in the concepts’ adaptability to American tastes.
Ten Thousand Leads the Charge
Coffee shop openings for Ten Thousand will span New Jersey, California, Texas, and Illinois throughout 2026. Franchise partners eagerly embraced the opportunity following the brand’s international track record. BK Franchise declared the year ahead as the “Year of Expansion” for this venture. Enthusiasm stems from the concept’s versatile format suited to high-traffic areas.[1]
Recruitment efforts target partners ready for customized support. Officials emphasized long-term collaboration over mere site proliferation. Such strategies aim to foster profitability from the outset. Early movers stand to benefit from established brand equity.
L’AMI Bakery Builds Momentum
L’AMI Bakery & Café gained traction with its debut stand-alone site at the Great Neck H Mart Mall in New York. A new in-store outpost will launch at the Fort Lee H Mart in New Jersey during the first half of 2026. The brand prioritizes visibility in flagship spots to cultivate loyalty. Future growth will embrace flexible franchising for both embedded and independent setups.[1]
This approach mirrors broader trends in grocery-anchored dining. Customers increasingly seek seamless blends of shopping and eating. BK Franchise tailors opportunities to each concept’s strengths, from cozy cafes to expansive bakeries.
H Mart’s Foundation Powers the Growth
H Mart, headquartered in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, anchors this expansion with over 100 stores across 18 states. The chain also maintains five warehouse centers and processing facilities. It stocks extensive Asian groceries alongside everyday items. Progressive Grocer ranked H Mart No. 83 among top North American food retailers in 2025.[1]
“2026 will be a pivotal year for Ten Thousand and L’AMI Bakery & Café as they establish themselves as core brands in major U.S. commercial districts,” a BK Franchise official stated. The parent company’s scale provides a ready customer base. Franchisees gain from integrated ecosystems where groceries meet gourmet bites.
Key Takeaways
- BK Franchise targets 2026 openings for Ten Thousand coffee shops in four states after 20 new deals.
- L’AMI Bakery & Café expands with in-store and stand-alone models at H Mart sites.
- Focus remains on profitable partnerships amid surging Asian food demand.
H Mart’s venture into restaurants signals a maturing strategy where supermarkets evolve into lifestyle hubs. Shoppers can expect more fusion dining options tied to trusted retail names. What expansions excite you most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
