BREA, CALIF. — Taiwan-based Gourmet Master Co. Ltd., owner of 85°C, recently opened a 70,000-square-foot central kitchen in Brea where dough will be prepared for the bakery cafe chain’s bread and pastries. The facility is expected to be key to the expansion of the 85°C bakery cafe chain.
Gourmet Master opened its first U.S. 85°C store five years ago in Irvine, and has since opened three more in Southern California (Hacienda Heights, West Covina and Chino Hills). The company plans to open 8 or 9 more by the end of this year and a total of 50 over the next three years.
“The U.S. market is expected to be the main driver for Gourmet Master over the next few years,” said Chris Lee, vice-president of investor relations for Gourmet Master.
Known by some of its loyal customers as the “Starbucks of Taiwan,” 85°C is a bakery and cafe specializing in coffee, cakes and bread. The first 85°C opened in Bao-Ping, Taipei in July 2004. The company has an estimated yearly revenue of $200 million and has more than 325 locations in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Australia and the United States.
