Bonjour Orlando!
French Bakery Cafe Opens at Florida Mall and Mall at Millenia
La Madeleine Country French Cafe, the acclaimed, authentic country French bakery cafe, announced today that its first two cafes in Florida will open at Orlando's Florida Mall and near the Mall at Millenia on Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, respectively.
"This is a monumental moment for our brand to open our first two cafes in Florida," said John Cahill, president of la Madeleine, the Dallas-based cafe known for welcoming atmosphere and French-inspired fare. "To introduce ourselves to guests in Orlando, we will be commemorating both cafe openings with our Rompre le Pain celebration, our French tradition of breaking bread."
The first 50 guests in line at 6:30 a.m. at Florida Mall on Oct. 29 and Mall at Millenia on Nov. 12 will win a weekly supply of the brand's fresh handmade breads for a year. The cafe will present the first 50 guests with certificates to redeem their delicious rewards each week during a 12-month period.
"Our Rompre le Pain fans will be filing through the doors just as our first batch of fresh-baked breads are coming out of the oven. We are anticipating an excited crowd of guests on the first day right as doors open," added Cahill.
La Madeleine's first restaurant in Florida opens on Oct. 29 at Florida Mall's new Dining Pavilion, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, near the Dillard's department store. The 4,200-square-foot location is accessible from the mall concourse and a separate outside entrance and features dine-in and to-go offerings. The brand's signature warm, country French ambiance is showcased via wood floors, rustic stone and tile, beamed ceilings, a double-sided fireplace and an outdoor patio. Guests can also take a peek into the bakery where pastries and bread is freshly baked and handcrafted daily.
La Madeleine opens across from the Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, near Mercedes-Benz and Best Buy on Nov. 12. The spacious cafe features rustic county French decor, a private dining area that seats 18 guests, outdoor covered seating for 40 guests and an intimate patio. The cafe also includes a cozy, country French coffeehouse, called Maison de Coffee, which features a full barista bar, French-inspired coffee menu, soft bistro seating and a communal table with a simple yet elegant ambiance. The 6,600-square-foot location seats 181 guests and offers dine-in and to-go options.
La Madeleine's Founder and Philanthropist to Attend Mall of Millenia Grand Opening
Patrick Esquerre, la Madeleine's founder and French country entrepreneur, will attend the Grand Opening of Orlando's new cafe at Mall of Millenia on November 12. As one of the originators of the French casual concept in the United States, la Madeleine was founded in 1983 and has continued to be an industry innovator since then. The cafe at Florida Mall marks la Madeleine's 80th cafe and the first with Intram Investments, Inc. Both cafes in Orlando are a joint venture between la Madeleine and Intram Investments, Inc.
La Madeleine is committed to using the season's freshest ingredients and adapting to guests' varied tastes, while maintaining its French authenticity both on the menu and in each cafe's warm and comfortable interior.
Freshly prepared, handcrafted menu items include specialties, such as omelettes and quiche for breakfast, homemade soupes, salades and sandwiches for lunch, and dinner entrees, savory crepes and pastas, as well as authentic French patisseries, viennoiseries and breads.
"Using real, wholesome ingredients and writing our recipes using classic French techniques has let us craft unique products that create an addiction with our guests," said Susan Dederen, vice president of culinary for la Madeleine. "Inspired by the best foods of France and using the best ingredients from the United States, we ensure the freshest products for our guests."
From its founding to today, the brand has also always made giving back to the community a high priority. Since 2012, la Madeleine has focused on the fight to help end childhood hunger, raising an average of $250,000 a year.
For more information, visit www.lamadeleine.com
About la Madeleine Country French Cafe
Dallas-based la Madeleine Country French Cafe was established in 1983 by self-described "French country boy" Patrick Esquerre to fulfill his dream of bringing classic French country fare to America. Inspired by his mother's cooking, Patrick insisted on maintaining the integrity of French cuisine by using fresh ingredients and recipes that have been passed from one generation to the next.
From its signature fireplace to its crave-worthy food, la Madeleine offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to come and stay in a casual, French home atmosphere. La Madeleine's French-inspired fare served throughout the day during breakfast, lunch and dinner features handcrafted entrees, sandwiches, salades and soupes, as well as freshly-baked breads, artisan patisseries and several additional distinctive specialties. La Madeleine's authenticity, innovation and fresh menu items differentiate the brand, creating widespread appeal.
A treasured part of many communities for more than 30 years, there are currently more than 75 cafes across Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. For more information on menu items, cafe locations and hours of operation, visit www.laMadeleine.com
About Intram Investments Inc.
Intram Investments Inc. is a major developer of upscale retail, residential and restaurant projects. Since its inception in 1991, Intram's activities have centered on its strategic plan with acquisitions of high-profile, infill retail properties and build-to-suit developments at premium locations throughout Central Florida; as well as investments in the food service industry spanning multiple states.
Intram's involvement in the restaurant industry started in 1994 when it opened a T.G.I. Friday's restaurant near the Orlando airport. The company entered into restaurant operations when, in 1996, it acquired a chain of 46 struggling Wendy's Restaurants located throughout the southeast. Intram grew the chain to 62 units, and after doubling the cash flow from operations, sold the restaurants in several transactions.
Today, Intram manages a diverse portfolio of restaurants including the Twistee Treat chain, Vinito Ristorante, Bistro CloClo and has joint ventured with la Madeleine, Inc. on several La Madeleine Country French Cafes. For more information on Intram Investments, please visit: www.intram.com