Dessert aficionados in Philadelphia have a new spot to satisfy their sweet tooth as Beard Papa’s is expanding with its latest franchise location in the city’s famous Chinatown neighborhood. The internationally known Japanese bakery will celebrate the grand opening and introduce its signature made-to-order cream puffs on March 28-29.
Located next to the iconic Chinatown Friendship Gate, the new store is the brand’s first Pennsylvania location. “Philadelphia’s Chinatown is the perfect home for Beard Papa’s,” said Mark Nathan, Marketing Director at Beard Papa’s USA. “We’re excited to introduce our fresh cream puffs to the community and become a new dessert favorite in Chinatown Philadelphia.”
Grand opening promotions planned
To mark the launch, the bakery announced several promotions during opening weekend. It’s offering a free original cream puff with any purchase, handing out exclusive merchandise, providing discounts, and holding a raffle where fans can win gift cards for free puffs and Beard Papa’s swag. The shop is also rewarding customers who arrive early on both grand opening days. The first 100 guests who purchase a six-pack will receive a limited-edition tote bag.
A new dessert option in Chinatown
Beard Papa’s offers freshly baked French choux pastry shells with premium custard filling. As a personal touch, customers can watch their orders being made in real time. Menu options include a variety of eight shell flavors such as original, chocolate, honey butter, s’mores, and matcha. They’re paired with the brand’s signature custard options like vanilla bean, green tea, or chocolate. Seasonal flavors, like pumpkin and mint chocolate in December, rotate throughout the year.
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Beard Papa’s poised for U.S. growth
Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1999, Beard Papa’s has more than 550 locations across 15 countries. Since the first U.S. franchise opened on New York’s Upper West Side in 2004, the company has grown to 35 locations in 12 states. Beard Papa’s was also named one of the best dessert chains by Eat This, Not That! in 2023. The franchise’s appeal is its simple model. Owners and staff don’t require a pastry chef background, as the cream puff shell is baked in a Beard Papa’s purpose-made oven.
“Our goal is to bring a premium Japanese dessert experience to every city we enter,” Nathan said. “We’re thrilled to open in the heart of Philadelphia and welcome guests looking for a unique bakery experience.
