Patrick Leon Esquerré doesn't know how to cook. But that didn't stop the former executive at Young & Rubicam from launching his own chain of self-serve French restaurants deep in the heart of Texas. Esquerré (pronounced es-CAR-ray), 72, mixed a soupçon of his heritage with a pinch of listening to customers -- and added a dash of good fortune in the form of backing from a Dallas retail legend. The result: a chain -- celebrating its 30th anniversary this year -- that mixes American convenience with French food and ambiance. La Madeleine has expanded, with 63 locations today from Texas throughout the Southeast and up to Washington, D.C. The company, sold to Groupe Le Duff in 2001, has begun franchising, and generated $149 million in sales last year.
Even Texans can love quiche - Aug. 15, 2013
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