News Summary
La Madeleine, a French-inspired bakery and café, is set to open three new locations in Texas over the next two years, including a site in College Station and two more in Houston. This expansion is backed by SM Franchise LLC, led by experienced operator Sultan Mahmood, enhancing the brand’s offerings of quality French cuisine in a fast-casual dining atmosphere. With almost 100 locations in the U.S., La Madeleine continues its commitment to community and franchise growth.
College Station – La Madeleine to Open Three New Locations in Texas
La Madeleine, a popular French-inspired bakery and café, has announced plans to open three new locations in Texas over the next two years through a partnership with SM Franchise LLC. This expansion will see one location established in College Station by the end of 2025, with additional sites planned for Houston and another College Station café by 2026.
SM Franchise LLC is owned by Sultan Mahmood, a seasoned franchise operator with nearly 25 years of experience in the restaurant sector. Mahmood began his career in 2003 with Denny’s and has since developed a portfolio that includes six restaurants across Texas, employing over 200 staff members. His vision for La Madeleine focuses on blending French culinary traditions with American flavors, ensuring that each café promotes both quality food and meaningful guest interactions.
La Madeleine cafés are known for their inviting atmosphere characteristic of a fast-casual dining experience. The company offers a wide-ranging menu that features all-day breakfast, brunch, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, coffees, and more, appealing to a diverse customer base. CEO John Dillon emphasized that the brand enjoys a solid economic structure and is strategically positioned, which has drawn experienced franchise operators like Mahmood to join the franchise.
The café’s charm and comfort make it a favored spot for guests seeking quality meals in an enjoyable setting, which is a central aspect of La Madeleine’s appeal. As the company expands, La Madeleine continues to seek additional franchisees with restaurant experience to bolster its growth across the United States.
La Madeleine has been a staple in the bakery and café scene since its founding in 1983. There are currently nearly 100 corporate and franchise locations operating in several U.S. states, along with one international café. The company is a part of Groupe Le Duff, a leader in bakery, pastry, and catering, which operates globally across over 100 countries and includes various other restaurant chains such as Brioche Dorée, Del Arte, and Le Fournil de Pierre.
The exact locations within College Station for the new La Madeleine cafés have yet to be disclosed and will be announced in the future. The forthcoming openings are anticipated to enhance the culinary landscape of Texas, contributing to the state’s vibrant dining options.
As La Madeleine continues to grow, it reflects its commitment to quality and community connection while paving the way for franchise opportunities. The careful selection of franchise partners, like Mahmood, underlines the brand’s strategy to maintain its standards and reputation within the competitive fast-casual dining market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
College Station Initiates Update of Economic Development Master Plan
La Madeleine Expands with New Locations in Texas
La Madeleine Expands to College Station with Three New Locations
la Madeleine Expands with New Franchise Agreement in Texas
Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: La Madeleine
- Verdict Food Service
- Google Search: La Madeleine Texas
- The Eagle
- Google Scholar: La Madeleine
- Hello Woodlands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: La Madeleine
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: La Madeleine
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.
