La Madeleine Launches Franchising Initiative To Fuel Aggressive Growth

DALLAS, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- La Madeleine, the country French-inspired bakery-cafe with more than 80 locations across the U.S., will double the brand's size through a refranchising initiative, it announced today at the Franchise Times Finance & Growth Conference.

In a conference presentation, la Madeleine President John Cahill said the growing brand, which offers authentic "maison-made" original recipes and fresh baked goods at breakfast, lunch and dinner, has long been notable for its industry-leading AUVs and strong operations. He said the company will sell entire existing markets of successful la Madeleine restaurants, and is seeking potential buyers such as successful multi-unit operators of other brands as well as existing la Madeleine franchisees who can use the acquisition of the restaurants as a solid base for growth.

"Our new growth strategy is unique because it offers multi-unit operators the opportunity to hit the ground running with whole markets and top-performing stores," said Cahill. "With the staff already in place and positive cash flow from the restaurants, franchisees can start growing the brand right away."

La Madeleine's parent company, Le Duff America Inc., is the Dallas-based subsidiary of Groupe Le Duff, the world leader in the bakery-cafe segment with nearly 1,700 locations across five continents and 80 countries. Its new CEO, Olivier Poirot, announced upon his arrival that his chief focus would be on growing through franchising – following the Groupe Le Duff business model for success.

"With a brand that is as strong as la Madeleine, we have a tremendous opportunity to double its size within the next five years through refranchising," said Poirot. "We are looking for successful, committed partners with the desire, experience and financial ability to continue operating the restaurants to their current high standards and quickly grow our brand beyond its current footprint."

La Madeleine will continue to operate corporate restaurants in Dallas so it can demonstrate operational excellence to support franchisees. Corporate markets currently offered for refranchising are Houston, Atlanta, Austin, the D.C. area and Louisiana.

"This model allows us to continue delivering the outstanding food quality and experience that our guests expect," said Cahill. "Franchisees will learn the 'la Madeleine way' from people who have served the brand for years or even decades."

The company has partnered with The Cypress Group, which specializes in restaurant and franchise investment banking and was named a 2016 Franchise Times Dealmaker of the Year, to manage the company's refranchising program. Potential franchisees can contact Dan Collins at 303-680-4141, extension 105, or [email protected] for additional information.

About la Madeleine French Bakery & Café
Dallas-based la Madeleine French Bakery & Café was established in 1983 by self-described "French country boy" Patrick Esquerré to fulfill his dream of bringing classic French country fare to America. From its signature fireplace to its crave-worthy food, la Madeleine offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy  French-inspired fare served throughout the day during breakfast, lunch and dinner features handcrafted entrées, sandwiches, salades and soupes, as well as freshly-baked breads, artisan pâtisseries and more. La Madeleine currently has more than 80 corporate and franchised cafés across Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and North Carolina. For more information on menu items, café locations and hours of operation, visit www.laMadeleine.com. 

About Le Duff America Inc.
Le Duff America Inc. is a subsidiary of Rennes, France-based Groupe Le Duff, which was founded by Louis Le Duff in 1976 and serves more than 1 million customers daily at its nearly 1,700 bakery-cafes worldwide. It operates multiple restaurant concepts in the U.S., including Brioche Doree, la Madeleine, Bruegger's Bagels and Mimi's Cafe, which focus on fresh ingredients, hand preparation and authentic flavors.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mary Kate Jeffries or Kerrie Sparks
817-329-3257
[email protected] 
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SOURCE La Madeleine

Related Links

http://www.laMadeleine.com