Choosing to start a business can be a very big decision. This is especially true for would-be entrepreneurs in the food service industry. For those who dream of opening restaurants, bakeries, cafés and other businesses that cater to the tastebuds of their community, it can be quite difficult to gain the awareness, reputation and momentum that it takes to truly stand out from the competition. Busy restaurant, pastry shop and coffee shop owners find themselves having to come up with inventive marketing strategies to advertise their business, which is a full-time job in itself!
In addition to running the marketing and sales aspects of their business, owners of food-and-beverage businesses must also deal with the constant headaches of inventory, production and staffing, which can leave many of them questioning why they ever wanted to open their dream shop in the first place within the first year in business.
Fortunately, there is a solution that empowers entrepreneurs to follow their food-service dreams without having to sacrifice other important things in their lives, such as time with family and friends. Investing in an established franchise can alleviate a number of the all-too-common pitfalls that can come with starting a restaurant, bakery, café or other food-based business. Not only do many franchises have the brand recognition and customer loyalty that comes with already being a beloved entity in other markets, but they also come with something invaluable: a proven business model that can be followed by the franchisee for an elevated chance of success.
Of course, not all franchise models are created equal, so it’s important for investors to look for concepts that have simple, easy-to-follow models, along with ample franchise training and support from a dedicated, experienced corporate leadership team. Since 2009, Le Macaron has been working to perfect its simple, scalable model. The result: over 60 Le Macaron franchise locations across the country, an extremely loyal fan base and the coveted title of America’s number one macaron franchise!
Here are some of the things our Franchise Owners love most about our franchise model, in their own words:
A Delightfully Unique Product
When it comes to making a big splash in the food service industry, it’s important to sell a product with little to no competition. With their sweet, colorful appearance and uniquely delicious taste, macarons are sure to stand out against other bakery and café concepts in your community. The growing popularity of macarons mixed with America’s enduring romance with Parisian style and culture has helped catapult the success of Le Macaron franchises across the country. Tonda Lucchese, who, along with husband Mike, owns the Elkhart, Indiana Le Macaron location, told us, “There is nothing like this close to Elkhart!”
Strong Corporate Support
As a family-owned French pastry franchise, support is as deeply rooted in the Le Macaron concept as its authentic taste and high-quality ingredients. Owners report that they don’t feel like franchise investors as much as valued family members when they interact with the executive team at Le Macaron’s Sarasota, Florida headquarters.
Jeff and Emily Gramse, who own and operate a location in Sacramento, California, shared that the high-level support they receive from the Le Macaron franchise team was one of the main reasons they chose to invest in the concept. “We love the structure and flexibility,” Jeff says. “The concept is great as is the product. They [the corporate team] make the setup very simple and also allow the Owners the opportunity to still make the location their own.”
Emily adds, “They made us feel like part of the family. They were welcoming and supportive. We love that this is their product and they have a passion for the quality above all else. We felt we would have the support to complete this new venture after meeting the Founders.”
Entrepreneurs who have dreamed of opening a bakery franchise like Le Macaron but are hesitant about whether it will all be too much to handle don’t have to worry about going it alone. When you invest in a Le Macaron franchise, you can be sure that they’re investing in you right back!
Sweetness in Simplicity
Wanting to own a business that sells authentic French macarons, pastries and more is different from wanting to know how to bake those delicacies! For entrepreneurs with a sweet tooth for success but not much of a background in baking, Le Macaron is a perfect fit!
Our sweetly simple and scalable franchise model leaves the baking to the experts. Our Sarasota headquarters is home to the Le Macaron confectionery, which is overseen by a French pastry chef and staffed by experienced culinary virtuosos. Once the macarons and other authentic French delights are crafted at the confectionery, they are shipped fresh to each Le Macaron location in the country, leaving the Franchise Owners free to focus on what they know how to do best—make money and grow a successful business!
Kelli Kaye and Neil Phillips, owners of our new Tarpon Springs, Florida location, loved the idea of selling beautifully prepared, authentic Parisian treats without having to so much as turn on an oven. “The benefits of their streamlined operations, no complex food production, and minimal staffing requirements were the biggest draws,” Kelli explains about the couple’s decision to move forward in the Franchise Education Process. Neil agrees, adding, “The simplicity of the business model was another perfect fit for us. We knew we wanted a franchise that didn’t present stress to the highest degree as well as being super fun to run!”
Best of all, Le Macaron franchises boast a highly scalable model, allowing Franchise Owners to expand their business as they choose. Franchise Owner Bobbi Jo Blanton and her family just celebrated the grand opening of their second Le Macaron location in Traverse City, Michigan, less than one year after opening their Grand Rapids shop!
The Le Macaron franchise model is so scalable, it doesn’t even have to be in one physical location! In Pembroke Pines, Florida, Cesar and Danny Amaral are cruising up and down the city streets in their Le Macaron food truck. For entrepreneurs craving a small footprint, freedom of location and a whole lot of fun, a mobile Le Macaron franchise might be the way to go!
Interested in joining our family of Franchise Owners and bringing a Le Macaron franchise to your community? Visit our franchise website for more information on getting started.
