In Honor of National Croissant Day, A Look at How Franchises Are Reinventing the Popular Pastry
Gone are the days when croissants were just simple, flaky pastries. Franchise brands are now offering creative twists on classic croissants, like the almond-topped one from Paris Baguette above. There are so many more options today — think strawberries, chocolate and even savory fillings.
Franchises are also making croissants more functional, turning them into sandwiches, breakfast rolls and other inventive meals. Driven by consumers’ appetite for convenient, ready-to-eat breakfast options, the global croissant market is projected to reach $5.12 billion by 2033, according to Verified Market Reports.
Historians widely believe the delectable pastry traces its roots to the Austrian kipfel, a crescent-shaped pastry traditionally made with butter or lard and occasionally sweetened or filled with almonds, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Legend ties the kipfel to Austria’s 1683 defense of Vienna against the Ottoman Empire: A baker, who woke up early to make bread, reportedly uncovered an underground attack and alerted the city. The pastry’s curved shape is similar to the crescent moon found on the Ottoman flag, seemingly paying tribute to the victory. However, the kipfel is mentioned in a poem as one of the Christmas treats presented to Duke Leopold in 1227, and moon-shaped breads date back much earlier.
While the croissant is now closely associated with France — pronounced krwa‑sohn in French — it was once considered a foreign novelty, sold only in Parisian Viennese-style bakeries as early as the 19th century. The pastry’s introduction in France is largely described in legend.
Franchises like la Madelein, Le Macaron French Pastries and Paris Baguette have brought Parisian flavor to the U.S., and Americans commemorate National Croissant Day on Jan. 30. Read on for a roundup of the most creative franchise croissant offerings to celebrate the buttery holiday.
Top Creative Franchise Croissant Offerings
85°C Bakery Cafe
The 85°C Bakery Cafe franchise is known for its wide selection of breads, cakes, specialty drinks and rotating seasonal offerings. Its creative croissant lineup includes the Chocolate Croissant (above) and Croissant Crunch.
Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe is leaning into indulgence this Jan. 30 with its lineup of buttery croissant sandwiches, perfect for celebrating National Croissant Day. Guests can choose from the Ham or Turkey Swiss Croissant or the classic Bacon & Egg Croissant.
Burger King
For National Croissant Day, Burger King is putting a fast-food spin on the classic croissant. Loyalty members can score a free Croissan’wich with a purchase of $3 or more. Guests can choose from sausage, egg and cheese; bacon, egg and cheese; ham, egg and cheese; and egg and cheese.
Dunkin’
Why limit croissants to Paris? Dunkin’ brings the flaky favorite to breakfast with croissant sandwiches stacked with bacon, sausage, or ham, plus egg and cheese — a delicious way to celebrate January 30, or any morning that calls for comfort.
Jason’s Deli
Jason’s Deli is taking National Croissant Day up a notch with its California Club — roasted turkey, bacon, Swiss, tomato, mayo, homemade guacamole and greens on a croissant. Side items to pair with it include fruit, vegetables, baked chips and blue corn chips.
la Madeleine
The French-inspired la Madeleine franchise has gone all-out for National Croissant Day and beyond. Seasonal favorites include the Strawberry Dipped Croissant, coated in white chocolate and finished with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and the Pistachio Dipped Croissant, dipped in rich dark chocolate and topped with roasted pistachio pieces. Available year-round are classics like the Chocolate Almond Croissant, Almond Croissant and the beloved buttery original. Guests can also opt for a Choose-Your-Own Croissant Box, featuring six freshly baked croissants of their choice.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette may be famous for its cakes, doughnuts and other pastries, but croissants shine on its menu as well. Sweet standouts on National Croissant Day and or any day include the Salted Caramel Pretzel Supreme Croissant, the Chocolate Supreme Croissant, the Strawberry Croissant and Raspberry Almond Croissant.
Starbucks
Croissants and coffee just go together. It’s no wonder that Starbucks has the ham and swiss croissant, chocolate croissant and the fan-favorite butter croissant on its menu.
TOUS les JOURS
The TOUS les JOURS French Asian bakery says ‘Oui, oui!’ to croissants every day. Highlights from the brand’s menu include the strawberry croissant, almond croissant, garlic & cheese croissant (above) and chocolate croissant.
