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- Founded in 1983
- Franchising Since 2011
- 63 US Franchises
- $1,212,560 - $2,204,095 Investment Range
- $2,416,950 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a La Madeleine franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if La Madeleine is a good match for you.
La Madeleine is a beloved French-inspired bakery and café franchise that has been delighting customers with authentic European charm since 1983. This sophisticated yet welcoming concept brings the warmth and hospitality of a French country café to communities across America, offering a unique dining experience that combines casual elegance with exceptional quality.
At the heart of La Madeleine's appeal is its diverse menu of French-inspired dishes, from their legendary tomato basil soup to freshly baked croissants and artisanal pastries. The franchise is particularly renowned for its breakfast and brunch offerings, featuring classic dishes like quiche Lorraine, eggs Benedict, and their signature French country breakfast. Their extensive menu also includes handcrafted sandwiches, fresh salads, homestyle soups, and decadent desserts that capture the essence of French culinary tradition.
What sets La Madeleine apart is its commitment to creating an authentic French atmosphere. Each location features warm, inviting décor with rustic elements, including their signature fireplace that serves as a cozy centerpiece. The restaurant's design encourages both quick casual dining and leisurely meals, making it perfect for everything from business meetings to family gatherings.
The franchise prides itself on exceptional customer service, with staff members who are passionate about providing a genuine French café experience. Their commitment to quality extends to their fresh-baked breads and pastries, made daily using traditional methods. La Madeleine has successfully created a unique niche in the restaurant industry by offering an elevated dining experience at accessible prices, making French cuisine and culture approachable for everyone.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with La Madeleine?
- Franchise Fee
- $40,000
- Investment Range
- $1,212,560 - $2,204,095
- Investment Midpoint
- $1,708,328
- Minimum Cash Required
- $1,212,560
- Royalty Fees
- 5%
- Brand Fund
- 2%
The reported gross revenue of $2.4M substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $701K, indicating strong unit-level performance potential. However, prospective investors should carefully review the FDD for revenue methodology and exclusions. The bakery-café segment benefits from growing consumer demand for artisanal foods and experiential dining, though faces pressure from fast-casual competition and rising labor costs.
With 89 units and 40+ years of operation since 1983, La Madeleine demonstrates system maturity and operational stability. The relatively modest unit count suggests selective growth focused on market penetration rather than rapid expansion, potentially offering better territory protection for franchisees.
This investment suits experienced restaurant operators with substantial liquid capital and net worth requirements typical of premium food concepts. The operational complexity of fresh baking, French cuisine preparation, and café service demands strong management capabilities. Multi-unit development opportunities may exist given the limited current footprint.
Prospective investors should thoroughly review the FDD, conduct comprehensive due diligence, and consider market demographics favoring upscale dining experiences before committing to this premium investment opportunity.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like La Madeleine. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise shows particular strength in urban and suburban areas with higher-income demographics and appreciation for French casual dining. With nearly 40 years of operational experience, La Madeleine has established itself as a premier French-style bakery and café concept. The distribution of locations suggests strategic focus on markets where European-style dining resonates with local demographics, particularly in states with higher population density and strong breakfast/lunch traffic patterns.
Ideal locations for La Madeleine typically include upscale retail centers and mixed-use developments in areas with median household incomes above $75,000 and high daytime population density. Success factors include proximity to business districts, universities, and affluent residential areas. While competition from local bakeries and casual dining establishments exists, La Madeleine's authentic French concept and established brand presence provide competitive advantages in both established and emerging markets across their diverse geographic footprint.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind La Madeleine. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding La Madeleine's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving La Madeleine. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review La Madeleine's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about La Madeleine's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1983
- Franchising Since 2011
- 63 US Franchises
- $1,212,560 - $2,204,095 Investment Range
- $2,416,950 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a La Madeleine franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if La Madeleine is a good match for you.
