La Madeleine, a French-inspired bakery and café, has signed an agreement with SM Franchise to develop three new locations in Houston and College Station in the US state of Texas up to 2027.
This expansion highlights the growing appeal of the brand, which blends French tradition with American tastes, according to a statement from La Madeleine.
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SM Franchise, owned by Sultan Mahmood, a multi-unit operator with 25 years of experience in restaurant franchising, will lead this expansion.
Mahmood began his career with Denny’s in 2003, building a portfolio of six Texas locations and a team of more than 200 employees.
“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,” Mahmood stated.
He plans to open the first La Madeleine location by the end of 2025 in College Station, followed by a café in College Station and one in the Houston Designated Market Area in 2026.
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By GlobalDataLa Madeleine CEO John Dillon expressed confidence in the brand’s growth potential, stating: “Our unit economics, unique positioning and proven systems have been successful in attracting restaurateurs who bring significant experience to the La Madeleine brand.”
La Madeleine, a brand of Groupe Le Duff, operates almost 100 corporate and franchise locations in multiple US states and one international café.
The menu includes all-day breakfast, brunch, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, coffees and entrées, along with a traditional French bakery display featuring fresh bread and pastries.
Groupe Le Duff, established in 1976, operates in more than 100 countries and on five continents.
Its portfolio of restaurant chains includes Brioche Dorée, Del Arte, Le Fournil de Pierre, La Madeleine (US) and Kamps (Germany), as well as its brands Bridor and Cité Gourmande, which manufacture products for 45,000 four and five-star hotel restaurants.
