News Summary
La Madeleine will open three new cafés in Texas, including two in College Station and one in Houston. This expansion, overseen by franchise operator SM Franchise LLC, marks a significant growth phase for the French-inspired bakery and café. The first location in College Station is targeted for late 2025, with additional openings in 2026. This move is expected to create jobs and cater to the growing demand for quality dining options in the region.
College Station is set to welcome three new La Madeleine locations as the French-inspired bakery and café expands its presence in Texas. The development agreement with SM Franchise LLC will establish two locations in College Station and one more in the Houston area, marking a significant step for the franchise. The first La Madeleine café in College Station is expected to open by the end of 2025, with the second College Station location and the Houston site scheduled to debut in 2026.
SM Franchise LLC, led by Sultan Mahmood, a seasoned multi-unit franchise operator with nearly 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, will oversee the new locations. Mahmood’s journey began in 2003 when he purchased his first Denny’s, and he currently operates six locations in Texas, employing over 200 staff members. His enthusiasm for La Madeleine stems from the café’s unique blend of traditional French cuisine adapted for American tastes, along with a commitment to provide a warm, inviting dining atmosphere.
La Madeleine, founded in 1983, opened its first café on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, across from Southern Methodist University. The brand has since grown to nearly 100 locations throughout the United States and has expanded internationally with one café outside the country. The company’s offerings have been a significant draw, featuring an array of items such as all-day breakfast, brunch, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, coffee, and a traditional French bakery display filled with fresh bread and pastries.
The exact locations for the new cafés in College Station have not yet been disclosed. However, they were initially planned for Century Square prior to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, La Madeleine is actively seeking new franchisees with experience in the restaurant sector to aid in its expansion strategy across the United States. The brand’s CEO, John Dillon, has pointed out that La Madeleine’s successful operational systems and favorable economics have attracted experienced restaurant operators to consider joining the franchise.
As La Madeleine embarks on this expansion in Texas, the company continues to maintain its commitment to delivering high-quality food and a delightful dining experience, reflective of its roots in French culinary tradition. The establishment of these new cafés is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities while catering to the growing consumer demand for quality dining options in the region.
The broader context of La Madeleine’s expansion reflects a trend within the restaurant industry as businesses adapt and grow in response to market demands. As a part of Groupe Le Duff, a global leader in bakery, pastry, and catering operating in over 100 countries and on five continents, La Madeleine is well-positioned to leverage its expertise while continuing its journey of growth and community engagement.
In conclusion, College Station and Houston are poised to become the next venues for La Madeleine’s offerings, and under the leadership of Sultan Mahmood and SM Franchise LLC, the new cafés will aim to uphold the brand’s legacy of providing quality food in a comfortable setting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
la Madeleine Expands with New Franchise Agreement in Texas
Additional Resources
- KBTX: La Madeleine in College Station
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- Restaurant News: La Madeleine Café Expansion
- Google Search: La Madeleine
- The Eagle: Business Development
- Google Scholar: La Madeleine Expansion
- KBTX: Bojangles in Aggieland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: French Cuisine
- Discover Atlanta: MARTA Guide
- Google News: La Madeleine College Station
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
