La Madeleine's Expansion in Texas
La Madeleine, a beloved name in French-inspired cuisine, has recently announced its plans to expand its footprint in Texas. The bakery and café chain has signed an agreement with SM Franchise LLC to open three new locations in Houston and College Station over the next two years. This strategic partnership aims to blend traditional French culinary techniques with modern dining trends, creating an inviting and innovative space for customers.
A Focus on Quality and Comfort
At the helm of this expansion is Sultan Mahmood, a multi-unit franchise operator with nearly 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Mahmood's journey in food service began with Denny's in 2003, where he successfully established six locations across Texas. His extensive background equips him well to manage this exciting new venture with La Madeleine, which has garnered a reputation for its cozy ambiance and high-quality, handcrafted meals.
"I wanted to expand my portfolio with La Madeleine because I'm inspired by how the brand blends French tradition with American tastes in such a creative and inviting way," said Mahmood. His passion for the brand underscores the commitment to delivering not just excellent food but also a memorable experience for guests. Consumers can look forward to a warm atmosphere paired with an enticing menu that includes an array of breakfast, brunch, soups, salads, sandwiches, and delectable pastries, all rich in flavor and freshly prepared.
Timeline for New Openings
The first La Madeleine café under this new partnership is scheduled to debut by the end of 2025 in College Station, followed by another café in the same city and a third in the Houston area in 2026. This timeline reflects a careful approach to expansion, ensuring that each location meets the brand’s high standards.
"Our unit economics, unique positioning, and proven systems have been successful in attracting restaurateurs who bring significant experience to the La Madeleine brand, while also providing current franchisees with opportunities for expansion," stated John Dillon, CEO of La Madeleine. This sentiment highlights the brand's commitment to fostering growth among experienced franchisees who share in their mission.
Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
La Madeleine is actively seeking franchisees with experience in the restaurant industry to help expand the brand's presence throughout the United States. Prospective partners interested in being part of this journey are encouraged to learn more about franchising opportunities. The company’s website offers valuable information for those looking to immerse themselves in the café's unique culture and culinary offerings.
A Brief Overview of La Madeleine
Since its inception in 1983, La Madeleine has been about creating accessible and welcoming cafe experiences designed for comfort and connection. Beyond just serving food, the cafés are designed as social hubs where friends and families can gather over delicious meals in a charming setting. They proudly feature a traditional French bakery offering that showcases an array of fresh bread and pastries, ensuring a truly authentic experience.
La Madeleine currently operates almost 100 locations in various U.S. states and one international café, solidifying its role as a significant player in the casual dining space.
As the brand prepares to introduce these new cafés, it continues to exemplify quality, charm, and connection—values that have remained at the core of La Madeleine for over three decades. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as these new locations open their doors to the community, bringing a taste of France to Texas.
For more information about franchising opportunities, visit
lamadeleine.com/franchise.