Fast-casual French restaurant brand taps former Denny’s executive
La Madeleine, the French-inspired fast-casual concept, has named John Dillon as its new president, the company said Monday.
The Dallas-based restaurant brand, owned by Groupe le Duff, said Dillon most recently served as founder and principal at HMS Growth Partners, an advisory firm.
Prior to HMS, he spent over 16 years at Spartanburg, S.-C.-based Denny's Corp., where he served as chief marketing officer, chief brand officer and president.
Additionally, Dillon has held senior leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Omnicom Group and the National Basketball Association.
"John's extensive experience in the franchise restaurant industry brings exceptional leadership, strategic vision and a talent for driving authentic and aggressive transformation, which are all key qualities to guide la Madeleine into its next phase of expansion," Lionel Ladouceur. CEO of Groupe LeDuff Worldwide Café Bakery, said in a statement.
At la Madeleine, Dillon will be responsible for creating a strategy to drive sales, increase the number of franchise partners, expand the brand's market presence and further enhance plans around store-level profitability, operational efficiency, restaurant design, guest experience, marketing, and menu innovation.
"La Madeleine has long had a passionate following of very loyal guests, and I've long been part of that club,” Dillon said. “In a time when so many brands are trying to push for what makes them different from the others, la Madeleine inherently has an authentically powerful differentiation with its unique 'joie de vivre' French café experience and reputation for craveable, quality French-inspired menu items.
La Madeline, founded in 1983, has nearly 100 corporate and franchise locations in multiple U.S. states and one international cafe in Bengaluru, India.
Groupe Le Duff, established in 1976, owns restaurant chains Brioche Dorée, Del Arte, Le Fournil de Pierre, la Madeleine and Kamps (Germany) and the Bridor and Cité Gourmande brands.
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