FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a la Madeleine Franchise

La Madeleine is a French bakery and café franchise founded in 1983 in Dallas, Texas, by Patrick Esquerré, inspired by traditional French country cooking. It offers a warm, bistro-like atmosphere serving all-day breakfast, handcrafted entrées, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and freshly baked breads and pastries. Since franchising began in 2011, La Madeleine has expanded to over 86 corporate and franchise locations across nine U.S. states and one international location. Owned by France-based Groupe Le Duff, the brand emphasizes fresh, organic, non-GMO ingredients and supports local farmers. Franchise models include traditional cafés, petite versions, and kiosks, catering to various market needs. The initial investment ranges from approximately $430,000 to over $2 million, depending on format and location. La Madeleine targets experienced multi-unit restaurant operators with strong real estate knowledge and passion for French cuisine, aiming to open and operate at least one location with potential for multi-unit growth.

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Why buy a la Madeleine Franchise?

Investing in a La Madeleine franchise offers entry into a well-established, beloved brand with a unique French bakery-café concept that combines authentic cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The franchise benefits from strong corporate backing by Groupe Le Duff, comprehensive support systems, and a flexible model adaptable to various market sizes and formats. With growing consumer interest in fresh, organic, and artisanal food, La Madeleine provides a differentiated offering in the fast-casual space, appealing to health-conscious and quality-focused customers. This opportunity suits experienced restaurateurs seeking a proven concept with multi-unit growth potential in a resilient and expanding segment.

la Madeleine Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1983

    • Franchising Since

      2011

    • New Startup Cost

      $448,250 – $2,254,160

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $20,000 - $40,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      50%

      of Initial Franchise Fee

    • Royalty Fee

      5%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      3.25%

      of Gross Sales; up to 4%

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      86

    • New Units Opened *

      0

    • Units Transferred *

      0

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $2,308,167

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

la Madeleine – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    La Madeleine provides comprehensive franchisee support including real estate, construction, marketing, operations, purchasing, and technology assistance. The franchisor’s experienced team helps franchisees navigate site selection, build-out, grand opening, and ongoing operations. Marketing support includes brand campaigns and local marketing strategies to build community engagement and customer loyalty. Franchisees benefit from proprietary recipes, operational systems, and training designed to maintain the brand’s high standards and warm café experience.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal La Madeleine franchisee is an experienced restaurateur or multi-unit operator with a strong background in restaurant operations and local real estate. They should have a passion for French cuisine and hospitality, a commitment to community engagement, and the financial resources to invest between $500,000 and $1.5 million in liquid assets depending on market size. A culture fit emphasizing guest relations, operational excellence, and a desire to grow multi-unit operations is essential.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    La Madeleine is recognized as a beloved franchise with over 40 years of heritage and was ranked #413 in the 2025 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, reflecting steady growth and brand strength. It is praised for its authentic French cuisine, commitment to fresh and organic ingredients, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that resonates with customers.

  4. Industry / Market

    The fast-casual dining segment, especially bakery-café concepts, continues to grow as consumers seek convenient, high-quality, and healthier dining options. La Madeleine’s focus on fresh, organic, and non-GMO ingredients aligns with increasing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability in food. The brand’s multi-daypart service model (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and to-go) captures broad market demand, supporting franchise growth potential in a competitive but expanding industry.

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