News Summary
la Madeleine, a French-inspired bakery and café, has entered into a franchise agreement to establish three new locations in Houston and College Station, Texas. The first location is set to open by the end of 2025. Multi-unit operator Sultan Mahmood will lead the expansion, leveraging his extensive experience in the restaurant industry. This development highlights a growing trend in the franchising sector, as established brands seek to expand their influence through partnerships with seasoned operators, enhancing dining options in Texas.
Houston, Texas – la Madeleine Expands with New Franchise Agreement
la Madeleine, a French-inspired bakery and café, has signed a significant agreement with SM Franchise LLC to develop three new locations in Houston and College Station, Texas, over the next two years. This initiative is spearheaded by Sultan Mahmood, a seasoned multi-unit operator and franchisee with nearly 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
The expansion plans include the opening of the first la Madeleine location by the end of 2025 in College Station, Texas. Following this, two more sites are slated to be established—one additional location in College Station and another in the Houston Designated Market Area (DMA) in 2026. This project marks la Madeleine’s continued growth in the Texas market, which is witnessing a broader trend of franchise expansion targeting experienced multi-unit operators.
Sultan Mahmood’s Background and Inspiration
Sultan Mahmood, the owner and operator of SM Franchise LLC, began his journey in the restaurant business with Denny’s in 2003. Over the years, he has developed a portfolio that includes six Texas locations, creating job opportunities for over 200 employees. Mahmood expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with la Madeleine, appreciating the brand’s unique blend of French culinary traditions with American tastes, as well as its commitment to fostering meaningful connections with guests.
la Madeleine’s Background and Offerings
Founded in 1983, la Madeleine operates close to 100 corporate and franchise locations across the United States. The brand’s menu offers a diverse selection that includes all-day breakfast, brunch, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, coffees, and traditional French bakery items. la Madeleine emphasizes comfort, charm, and high-quality handcrafted meals, positioning itself within the fast-casual dining space.
According to John Dillon, the CEO of la Madeleine, the brand’s solid unit economics and proven operating systems have attracted seasoned restaurateurs like Mahmood for franchise expansion. As part of its growth strategy, la Madeleine is actively seeking additional franchisees with prior restaurant industry experience to enhance its presence across the United States.
A Trend in Franchise Growth
This franchise agreement highlights an emerging trend in the restaurant industry, particularly in Texas, where there is a rising demand for quality dining experiences among consumers. Multi-unit operators are increasingly becoming a focal point for reaching new markets, enabling established brands like la Madeleine to expand their footprint efficiently and effectively.
For those interested in exploring franchising opportunities with la Madeleine, additional information is available on their official website, emphasizing the brand’s ongoing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. As la Madeleine continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences that blend French culinary art with local tastes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Restaurant News: La Madeleine Expansion
- Wikipedia: Franchising
- Houston Chronicle: Villa Arcos Expansion
- Google Search: Houston restaurants trend
- PR Newswire: Donatos Pizza Franchise
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Industry Trends
- FranchiseWire: Blushington in Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Franchise
- GlobeNewswire: Potbelly Expansion in Texas
- Google News: Texas franchise news
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.
