This November, The Gunter Hotel welcomes a delicious new chapter in its storied history with the arrival of Paris Baguette Bakery Café, a global bakery brand known for its handcrafted pastries, signature cakes, and artful breads. Nestled in the hotel’s lobby at 205 East Houston Street, this opening marks the first Paris Baguette location in San Antonio - and a fitting complement to The Gunter’s legacy of warmth, hospitality, and community gathering.

Where Craft Meets Culture

Before dawn, Paris Baguette’s pastry chefs begin their day - laminating croissant dough, proofing baguettes, and crafting the cakes that fill the bakery’s gleaming glass display cases. The process is deliberate, precise, and rooted in the brand’s philosophy: freshness in every bite.

“It’s a French concept with Korean soul,” says Rebecca Sanchez, General Manager of Paris Baguette at The Gunter Hotel and a Le Cordon Bleu–trained pastry chef. “We combine French artistry with Korean sensibilities - lighter textures, less sugar, and an obsession with freshness.” That means croissants that take three days to perfect, baguettes baked every few hours, and cakes frosted with soft whipped cream rather than buttercream.

Founded in South Korea in 1988, Paris Baguette has grown to more than 4,000 locations worldwide - and now brings its signature “bakery theater” to San Antonio. Guests can watch as master decorators finish cakes in view of the café or peek into the kitchen where pastry chefs prepare pastries by hand. The atmosphere blends Parisian elegance - marble counters, blue bistro seating - with the warm, welcoming energy that defines Korean hospitality.

Freshness, All Day Long

At Paris Baguette, freshness doesn’t end in the morning. The 16-person pastry team at The Gunter Hotel will bake continuously throughout the day, refilling the display case with small-batch pastries, breads, and cakes. From Almond Croissants and Biscoff® Cruffins to the brand’s signature Strawberry Soft Cream™ Cake, every item is crafted on-site and presented with care.

This fall’s menu features comforting seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Pie Lattes, Maple Pecan Pastries, and Prosciutto & Fig Croissant Sandwiches, along with salads and savory items perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat. The bakery’s exclusive Lavazza coffee blend, created specifically for Paris Baguette, pairs perfectly with each pastry - rich, smooth, and subtly accented with notes of chocolate.

Baking Joy Into Every Day

Beyond its artful pastries, Paris Baguette carries a deeper purpose. Through its nationwide “Love Baked In” initiative, the brand donates unsold pastries and breads to local charities, with more than 570,000 pounds of food shared across the U.S. since 2023. The San Antonio team will also participate in the No Kid Hungry campaign, part of Paris Baguette’s commitment to ending childhood hunger nationwide.

It’s this blend of global artistry, local generosity, and neighborhood connection that makes Paris Baguette a natural fit for The Gunter Hotel - a landmark long known for hosting both visitors and locals in the heart of downtown San Antonio.

A New Tradition at The Gunter

Inside, guests will find more than a bakery - they’ll find a gathering place. The inviting café atmosphere makes it easy to start the morning with a croissant and cappuccino, stop in for lunch with colleagues, or pick up a cake on the way home.

“Our goal is to bring joy into everyday moments,” Sanchez adds. “We want to create that sense of delight, where people don’t just come for pastries, but for the feeling that they’re part of something special.”

When the ovens fire up this November, The Gunter Hotel will add yet another story to its timeless legacy - one filled with the aroma of butter, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the warmth of community.

The Grand Opening Celebration

Paris Baguette Bakery Café at The Gunter Hotel will officially welcome the community on December 9th at 9 AM with a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Guests are invited to celebrate with complimentary samples, live music, and a first look at the bakery’s signature “bakery theater.” Experience the warm, inviting atmosphere and enjoy a curated selection of handcrafted breads, pastries, cakes, and coffees  each made with care and a touch of Parisian charm. Guests who RSVP and arrive early will also have the chance to WIN exclusive Paris Baguette giveaways at the event.

Don’t forget to reserve your spot! The full event details can be found here. We look forward to welcoming you.

Press Release Credit: Lainey Berkus