Our Process
Whether you’re building a flagship location or launching in a high-traffic hub, la Madeleine Bakery & Café offers flexible formats backed by proven systems, strong brand equity, and tailored operational support.
la Madeleine Makes Entrepreneur
2025 Top Food Franchises List Once Again
• Chosen for excellence in growth, support, and stability
What We Believe (and Bake Into Every Day)
Since 1983, la Madeleine has delivered an accessible, welcoming bakery and café experience made for comfort and connection. The café’s menu includes all-day breakfast, brunch, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, coffees and entrées — plus a traditional French bakery display featuring fresh bread and pastries. la Madeleine operates nearly 100 corporate and franchise locations in multiple U.S. states and one international café.
Our vision is bold: To become the world’s most loved bakery and café brand with 200 cafés by 2030.
As a French-inspired concept built on warmth and authenticity, la Madeleine continues to grow one meaningful connection at a time.
Franchise Partners join more than a bakery brand. They’re part of a reinvigorated concept that blends timeless warmth with new leadership, modern design, and smarter ways to grow.
$2.9M AUV
Our top 50% of Franchise Owners have Average Unit Sales of $2.9 Million
43+ Years
Of Serving Guests & Growing Businesses
French-Owned
French-Founded
French-Inspired
opportunities
Awards
Since opening our doors in 1983, we’ve worked hard to grow our franchise program while staying true to our French heritage. With 87 successful locations nationwide and a franchise system that doubled in size in 2024 using AI-powered growth strategies, people have taken notice.
Entrepreneur Magazine's 2025 Franchise 500
Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2024 Franchise 500
Top 15 in Franchise 2024 Ranked #8
Nation’s Restaurant News 100 Under 100: Emerging Restaurant Chains
Technomic’s 500 Chain Restaurant Report - #206
QSR Best Brands
to Work For
in 2025
Franchise Times
Top 400 Franchises
of 2025
With new leadership, refreshed formats, and smarter marketing strategies, la Madeleine Bakery & Cafe is bringing new energy to its legacy of warmth, quality, and connection.
Hear President John Dillon share the vision in these featured podcast episodes:
Qualities
We seek passionate individuals who love the art of French inspired cuisine. Join us if you are ready to create a welcoming café experience.
Ownership
We welcome both experienced operators and business owners who want to build a team. Franchise Partners may run the café themselves or hire a qualified operator to lead day-to-day success.
Multi-Unit Experience
One group member must have strong multi-unit restaurant leadership (if multi-unit market).
Capital Requirements
$400k- $900k in non-borrowed liquidity (based on market scope).
Leadership
Experience managing teams or businesses, with strong operational and financial acumen.
Cultural Alignment
Strong guest-centric mindset aligned with la Madeleine values.
Local Market Insight
Proven knowledge of your chosen development area.
Owning a la Madeleine franchise gives you control over your time and your future. Franchisees choose this path to stay present with their families while building something real.
You don’t have to choose between growth and time with your kids. With the right structure, you can have both. Our flexible models and operational support are built to let you stay involved where it matters, at home and in business.
Testimonials
Authentic feedback from those living the brand.
Market Availability
With your help, we plan to share the la Madeleine dining experience with even more people across the country.
Claim Your Territory
Be the first to bring la Madeleine’s charm to your city.
Our Process
Franchise Owner Support
Our passion for French dishes and warm atmosphere makes us a favorite with guests and business partners alike. Our helpful and friendly attitude isn’t something we just keep in the kitchen, we continue it into all aspects of our business. Lending a helping hand is just one of the ways we would like to welcome you into the la Madeleine family as a franchisee.
Explore the Full Support You’ll Receive
Meet the team and systems behind every successful location.
Start Your la Madeleine Bakery & Cafe Franchise Journey Today
Bring the taste of France to your community — backed by 43 years of proven success.
Find answers to common questions about our franchise opportunity and the support we provide.
No, we have franchisees with no prior restaurant experience although we require hiring an experienced operator.
The typical launch timeline varies but generally takes 6 to 12 months. This includes site selection, training, and setup. We work closely with you to ensure a smooth opening.
Yes, we encourage multi-unit ownership. Many of our successful franchisees operate multiple locations. Our support system is designed to assist you in managing several units effectively.
Franchisees receive ongoing marketing support, operational guidance, and layout assistance. We are committed to your success and provide resources to help you thrive. Our team is always available to answer your questions.