La Madeleine Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
La Madeleine, a beloved French bakery café, was founded in Dallas, Texas in 1983 by Patrick Esquerré. Inspired by the classic French country fare of his childhood, Esquerré aimed to bring the warmth and flavors of French cuisine to America.
Over the years, La Madeleine has grown into a cherished community staple, known for its handcrafted, crave-worthy dishes that include a variety of entrées, sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as freshly baked breads and pastries.
Headquartered in Dallas, La Madeleine began offering franchise opportunities in 2013. Today, it boasts over 90 locations across the United States and internationally.
The franchise model offers a range of prototypes to accommodate various market needs, including traditional café formats, petite versions, and self-contained kiosks. Each café is designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a casual French home, complete with a signature fireplace.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a La Madeleine franchise? It costs on average between $370,000 – $3,054,000 to start a La Madeleine franchised business.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. La Madeleine offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type Of Expenditure | Bakery Café Amount | Express Café Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Real Property | Variable | Variable |
| Design, Permitting Fees & Liquor License | $60,000 to $189,945 | $22,203 to $29,261 |
| Building and Leasehold Improvements | $448,631 to $1,489,805 | $118,743 to $154,366 |
| Security Camera System | $0 to $10,000 | – |
| Signage and Awnings | $25,000 to $63,207 | $5,994 to $7,792 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $355,883 to $438,418 | $156,737 to $203,759 |
| Technology Suite | $37,784 to $126,860 | $0 to $37,784 |
| Initial Technology Administrative Fee | $2,860 | $0 to $2,860 |
| Site Work | $0 to $300,000 | $0 to $5,000 |
| Start-up Inventory & Supplies | $31,700 to $51,500 | $10,000 to $13,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $10,000 to $30,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 to $25,000 | $3,000 to $25,000 |
| Training & Managers’ Salary | $5,000 to $51,000 | $5,000 to $51,000 |
| Utility Deposits/ Licenses | $3,000 to $5,000 | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Legal and Accounting | $5,000 to $30,000 | $5,000 to $30,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $15,000 to $200,000 | $15,000 to $140,000 |
| Total (excluding real estate) | $1,042,858 to $3,053,595 | $369,677 to $754,822 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a La Madeleine franchise? A La Madeleine franchised cafe makes on average $2,202,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $811,000 yearly revenue for similar baked goods franchises.
Below are 10 La Madeleine competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
La Madeleine Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many La Madeleine locations are there?
As of the latest data, La Madeleine operates over 80 locations. The majority of these are company-owned, with a smaller number being franchise-owned. Approximately 30 of these locations are franchise-operated, while the rest remain under corporate ownership.
What is the total investment required to open a La Madeleine franchise?
The total investment required to open a La Madeleine franchise ranges from $370,000 to $3,054,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a La Madeleine franchise?
La Madeleine franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee on gross sales and a 2% marketing fee, which supports national and regional advertising efforts. These fees help maintain brand consistency and promote traffic to franchise locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a La Madeleine franchisee?
To become a La Madeleine franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $5 million and at least $1 million in liquid capital. These requirements ensure franchisees are financially prepared to support and operate the business.
How much can a La Madeleine franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a La Madeleine franchise are approximately $2.2 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.2 million yearly revenue can result in $330,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns La Madeleine?
La Madeleine is owned by Le Duff America, Inc., a subsidiary of Groupe Le Duff, a global restaurant and bakery company based in France. Groupe Le Duff owns several other brands and has expanded its presence in the U.S. market through La Madeleine and other concepts.
Disclaimer
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