A Horizon West couple is excited to open a new bakery, celebrating their journey and the American dream they cherish.
Horizon West: Bowen Kou moved to the U.S. from China in 2009 to study at Michigan State University. He was eager to learn and work hard.
At just 19, he started a business selling used books to fellow students. By 2012, he had gained fame among Chinese students for buying a grocery store in East Lansing.
With savings from his book business and help from his parents, he purchased the store. It grew from three employees to a chain of nine locations across seven states, employing over 500 people.
“I just wanted to seize the opportunity,” he said. “I didn’t know where it would lead, but I hoped it would succeed.”
Now, nearly fifteen years later, Kou is living his “American dream” in Central Florida. After a frustrating political run last year, he and his wife are excited to open a new bakery at Orlando’s upcoming H Mart.
They still run their Asian grocery stores and own Paris Baguette franchises in several states. The new Orlando location is set to open later this year.
Paris Baguette will offer a wide range of unique pastries and baked goods, adding to the vibrant food scene in Horizon West.
In 2024, Kou ran for the Florida Senate, hoping his business success would resonate with voters. He invested heavily in his campaign, but it didn’t go as planned.
During the GOP primary, he faced attack ads that accused him of questionable contributions and profiting from foreign workers. He lost to fellow Republican Keith Truenow.
Since then, the couple has faced questions about their citizenship and concerns about their business. They were wrongly accused of being linked to the Chinese Communist Party.
“That false advertising has hurt our business,” Hong Kou said. “Customers have asked if we’re part of the CCP.”
Kou believed his success and conservative views would resonate with voters. “I want to protect the American dream,” he said.
In June, he sued the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee over the defamatory ads, and that case is still pending.
Though he has no plans to run for office again, Hong Kou said, “never say never.”
Bowen Kou, a father of three, still has family in China but considers the U.S. his home. “My family is American, and I plan to stay here,” he said.
Right now, they’re focused on their new Paris Baguette store next to H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S.
Hong Kou said it’s a big deal for H Mart to come to Orlando, and they’re grateful to be part of it. “We’re really looking forward to it.”
Their bakery in Horizon West has become a local favorite, featuring a beautiful display of cakes, croissants, and tarts, all designed to feel like a Paris café.
Maria Scandlen, a customer, loves the variety of baked goods. “I like the different choices they have,” she said.
Orlando resident Chloe Laine used to live nearby and enjoyed visiting the bakery. “It feels like a vacation while you’re at home,” she said.
Hong Kou, also an immigrant, finds running multiple businesses stressful but appreciates the life they’ve built. “America offers opportunities for a good life,” she said.
