The Essential Role of Fireplaces in La Madeleine Explained
In a bid to create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere and improve the overall customer experience, La Madeleine, the fast-casual French-inspired restaurant chain, is adding fireplaces to all new restaurants. This move, according to John Dillon, the CEO of the company, is crucial in today's competitive market to encourage guests to stay longer and visit more frequently [1][2].
The fireplaces contribute to a cosy, welcoming environment that aligns with La Madeleine’s French-inspired hospitality style, helping differentiate the brand in the fast-casual market. This ambiance supports greater customer satisfaction and potentially higher sales by making the dining experience more comfortable and memorable [1][2].
John Dillon, who was named CEO of La Madeleine earlier this year, discusses his history with the brand in a podcast episode titled "A Deeper Dive", produced by Restaurant Business. In the episode, Dillon shares his reaction when he was named CEO and elaborates on the company's focus on hospitality and in-store business [3].
La Madeleine currently operates 91 locations, primarily in the South, and is aiming to expand both in traditional and non-traditional locations such as airports and universities [4]. The podcast is part of a series recorded during the National Restaurant Show in May, and is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify [5].
The podcast is hosted by the Editor-in-Chief of Restaurant Business, a longtime industry journalist who focuses on quick-service restaurants, restaurant finance, mergers and acquisitions, and the economy. The dining rooms of La Madeleine restaurants already feature music, and the company is also offering French lessons in the bathrooms to further enhance the in-store experience [6].
In summary, the impact of adding fireplaces is: - Stronger hospitality through a warm, inviting atmosphere - Increased in-store customer engagement and loyalty - Support for La Madeleine’s broader growth strategy in both traditional and non-traditional locations such as airports and universities [1][2].
[1] Restaurant Business. (2021). La Madeleine to Add Fireplaces to All New Restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/brands/la-madeleine-to-add-fireplaces-to-all-new-restaurants
[2] QSR Magazine. (2021). La Madeleine to Add Fireplaces to All New Restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/quick-service/la-madeleine-to-add-fireplaces-to-all-new-restaurants
[3] Restaurant Business. (2021). John Dillon Discusses His History with La Madeleine on Restaurant Business's "A Deeper Dive" Podcast. [online] Available at: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/news/john-dillon-discusses-his-history-with-la-madeleine-on-restaurant-businesss-a-deeper-dive-podcast
[4] Restaurant Business. (2021). La Madeleine to Add Fireplaces to All New Restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/brands/la-madeleine-to-add-fireplaces-to-all-new-restaurants
[5] Restaurant Business. (2021). La Madeleine to Add Fireplaces to All New Restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/news/la-madeleine-to-add-fireplaces-to-all-new-restaurants
[6] Restaurant Business. (2021). La Madeleine to Add Fireplaces to All New Restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/brands/la-madeleine-to-add-fireplaces-to-all-new-restaurants
To elevate the customer experience and align with the French-inspired ambiance, La Madeleine’s new strategy includes offering French lessons in the bathrooms, contributing to a lifestyle that blends fashion, beauty, and culture. Furthermore, the expansion into non-traditional locations such as airports and universities could encourage a more diverse clientele interested in home and garden decor, broadening the aforementioned lifestyle scope.
