la Madeleine Country French Cafe

La Madeleine Country French Cafe operates French-inspired bakery-cafes across the United States, serving scratch-made pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees in a European-style setting. Founded in 1983 by Patrick Esquerré in Dallas, Texas, the brand brought authentic French country cuisine to American consumers through a fast-casual format. The chain operates 74 locations as of 2025, concentrated primarily in Texas and surrounding states, with additional presence in Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Known for its signature rotisserie chicken, fresh-baked bread, and pastries made from scratch daily, la Madeleine combines counter-service efficiency with French café ambiance. The company targets high-traffic retail centers and mixed-use developments in suburban markets, typically seeking freestanding buildings or endcap positions with drive-thru capability. La Madeleine represents a proven concept for developers seeking authentic specialty dining tenants with strong local followings and consistent operational track records spanning four decades.