News

La Madeleine to franchise

September 26, 2011

After serving customers for nearly three decades as a corporate-owned chain, la Madeleine Country French Café is now offering franchise opportunities in the United States.

“The time is right to take la Madeleine to the next level and bring our distinct CountryFrench bakery-café experience to more guests across the country,” said Phil Costner, president and chief operating officer. “We have taken the very best that la Madeleine has to offer, enhanced it and made it scalable for franchising on a major scale. In a highly competitive market, la Madeleine offers something that is truly unique to the consumer and now to franchise partners.”

In addition to launching the franchise program, la Madeleine is rolling out a new, refined bakery-café design, which will serve as the “model” for future franchised and company-owned locations. At about 3,500 square feet, the new prototype design will enhance the guest experience and deliver operational efficiencies, Costner said. Customers will see the new design this fall at the opening of la Madeleine’s company-owned location at NorthPark Center in Dallas, followed by locations in Tulsa, Okla., Silver Spring, Md., and the Tyson Corner Mall in Virginia.

“La Madeleine’s franchise program provides a smart investment opportunity, a concept like no other with an award-winning menu and untapped potential in the bakery-café category,” said Chris Cheek, vice president of franchise development for la Madeleine’s parent company Le Duff America. “Our goal is to work with experienced operators who are passionate about our brand and provide them with a world-class concept and extensive support to help them grow their business and the la Madeleine brand.”

A la Madeleine franchise owner must have experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator and the financial and operational resources to undertake development of a multi-unit territory.

La Madeleine will provide franchisee support in the areas of real estate, marketing, operations and training, purchasing, construction and culinary expertise.

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