Burlington County
First South Jersey ‘Paris Baguette’ Opens on Marlton Pike, Adding a New Commuter Stop to Exit 36
Moorestown, NJ — A major international bakery player has officially landed in Burlington County, and for commuters pulling off I-295 at Exit 36, the morning coffee run just got a little more interesting.
Paris Baguette, the global bakery-café chain known for its self-serve pastries and elaborate cakes, opened its first South Jersey location this past Friday, November 21st. The new café has taken over the former Charles Schwab building at 105 Mall Link Road in East Gate Square, sitting in the high-traffic cluster near Barnes & Noble, CAVA, and HoneyGrow.
Why this matters for the Marlton Pike Corridor
While national chains opening in Moorestown isn’t breaking news, the arrival of Paris Baguette signals a specific shift in the mix at East Gate Square:
The “Third Place” for Commuters: With Starbucks drive-thrus often overflowing onto Route 73 and 38, this corridor has been ripe for another “sit-and-work” or “grab-and-go” coffee option. Paris Baguette’s model—which functions as a high-speed bakery for commuters but also offers café seating for casual meetings—bridges a gap between a Dunkin’ run and a sit-down diner breakfast.
Revitalizing Pad Sites: Taking over a former financial service building (Charles Schwab) and converting it into a high-foot-traffic food destination helps energize the older sections of East Gate Square. Retail nodes thrive on “cross-shopping,” and a popular bakery draws daily repeat customers who may then visit neighboring stores.
The “First Mover” Advantage: By choosing Moorestown for its South Jersey debut (beating out planned locations in Cherry Hill and Deptford), this franchise is positioning Marlton Pike as the testing ground for the brand’s regional expansion.
What to Expect: Trays, Tongs, and Cakes
For those who haven’t visited their locations in Philly or North Jersey, the Paris Baguette experience is distinct. Customers grab a tray and tongs upon entering, self-selecting pastries, croissants, and savory breads from glass cases before heading to the register for coffee.
The Menu: Expect savory options like Ham & Cheese Croissants and Curry Croquettes alongside sweet staples like their signature Strawberry Soft Cream Cake.
The Vibe: Unlike a standard fast-food stop, the interior is designed with a modern café aesthetic, making it a viable spot for remote workers or client meetings—a crucial draw for the business parks situated along Route 73.
Community Reaction & What’s Next
The Buzz: Early crowds since Friday’s opening indicate strong curiosity. Moorestown residents have long been protective of their local dining scene, but the reaction on local forums suggests a welcome reception for a bakery that offers late hours and high-end cakes—items that can be hard to find on short notice in the suburbs.
The Regional Picture: This opening is just the first domino. The brand has aggressive expansion plans for South Jersey, with eyes on Cherry Hill (H Mart and Garden State Park) and Deptford in the near future. But for now, Moorestown holds the exclusive title.
If You Go
Location: 105 Mall Link Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057 (East Gate Square, near Barnes & Noble).
Best For: Picking up a “Blueberry Chiffon” cake for an office party, or a quick savory pastry breakfast before hopping on I-295.
Parking: Plenty of surface lot parking is available directly in front of the store, a major advantage over mall-interior locations.
We’re tracking how this new opening impacts morning traffic flows at the East Gate entrance. If you’ve stopped by, let us know how the parking situation is holding up.
— Ari Williams, 295Times.com
