French patisserie

Rapid franchise expansion secures spot as #1 Macaron Franchise in the U.S. 

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron French Pastries finds itself in the enviable position of being the #1 Macaron franchise in the country, and they know exactly who to thank for the achievement.

On Saturday, September 2, Le Macaron co-owners Rosalie Gulliem and Audrey Saba are expressing gratitude for the franchisees and dedicated owners who have worked tirelessly to make Le Macaron the #1 Macaron franchise in the United States.

“We are reaching out and congratulating all of our franchisees for their hard work and commitment,” said Guillem. “We appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of our franchisees, as they are integral to our success. We simply could never have achieved our ranking of the #1 macaron franchise in the country without them!”

Franchise Appreciation Day is recognized every year on the Saturday before Labor Day. The official national day is observed to educate consumers about local franchises and how they can patronize and support them. Entrepreneurs and investors also learn how to succeed in business through the power of franchising.

Founded in 2009, Le Macaron treats customers to a Parisian-style café experience with authentic, premium macarons and pastries prepared daily by French-trained chefs. The family-owned business began franchising in 2012 and currently operates nearly 70 stores nationwide from Florida to California. The company is creating lucrative opportunities for franchisees by targeting high traffic areas where customers can enjoy delicious, authentic macarons, gourmet chocolates, French gelato, European-style coffee, and other classic French pastries.

Le Macaron openings slated for 2023 include Columbus, Ohio, Tucson, Arizona, Long Beach, California, Sacramento, California, Pembroke Pines, Florida, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, New York, and Miami. Franchisees Natalia Mejia and Camito Beltran are preparing to open their store at RIO Lakefront in Gaithersburg, Maryland, while owners Sanjam and Karam Chawla are in the process of opening a mobile kiosk at International Plaza in Tampa. All franchisees are reaping rewards based on growing interest in macarons that is trending throughout the U.S. Pastry and bakery experts project sales of macarons will top $1.54 billion this year and more than double to $3.17 billion by 2030.

“We have nearly 20 franchises in various stages of development,” stated Guillem. “We continually offer support and guidance to our owners to help them succeed every step of the way.”

Guillem added that Le Macaron looks for potential franchisees who embrace the challenges of running a business and love interacting with customers. She added that franchisees say they enjoy welcoming guests and families who are vacationing, or locals who are dropping by for special occasions or to check out the latest flavors.

“At all of our locations, our goal is for guests to slow down and savor the moment by relishing the simple pleasures, such as sharing macarons or a coffee together. We deeply appreciate all of our franchisees who strive to offer their guests the Le Macaron experience,” Guillen said.

Le Macaron was named to the FranServe 2022 Fran-Tastic 500 list, which recognizes the top franchises in the country. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com

#1 Macaron Franchise Poised to Meet Year-End Goal of 80 Units in the U.S. 

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron, the leading French Pastries and Macaron franchise in the United States, announced it is on track to meet its year-end goal of 80 franchise units following remarkable growth in 2002 and an impressive first quarter in 2023 with multiple franchise openings. As the #1 macaron franchise with 76 units nationwide in various stages of development, the popular French patisserie will open 10 new locations this summer in Tucson, Gaithersburg, New York, Columbus, Tarpon Springs, FL, Pembroke Pines, FL, and three California stores in Long Beach, Sacramento, and New Port Beach. In addition, the company reported a third Le Macaron café is slated to open in Nashville.

“We are pleased that our growth plans are exceeding expectations,” said Le Macaron spokesperson Greg Guillem. “Le Macaron is fueling America’s growing love affair with macarons, resulting in a constant stream of inquiries from investors and entrepreneurs. We are on track to increase our total number of units to 80 by the end of this year.”

New owners Gary and Stacy Haggart will open the first Le Macaron café in Arizona this summer with the first of three units planned for Tucson. Located at 260 E. Congress Street in the heart of downtown Tucson, the Haggarts said they are looking forward to introducing authentic French macarons and pastries to the community.

“Not many cafes or bakeries can say their macarons are freshly prepared daily by French chefs,” said Gary Haggart. “Tucson is a diverse, sophisticated market that is perfect for the Parisian café Le Macaron experience.”

Franchisee Michael Bermingham said he is anticipating a soft opening in August for his Long Beach location in Belmont Shore on Second Street. Bermingham pivoted from a career in technology to follow his dream of owning a food business.

“I researched a lot of franchise opportunities, but I was drawn to Le Macaron because of the high quality of their products,” Bermingham stated. “It didn’t hurt that I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth! I believe this store will thrive in our high traffic location that attracts residential and tourist customers year-round.”

Co-founder Rosalie Guillem said prospective franchisees are encouraged by the brand’s significant year-over year as well as Le Macaron’s commitment to franchise support. She said the total investment for a Le Macaron franchise averages approximately $250,000, including a $45,000 franchise fee.

“Prospective franchisees are ultimately choosing Le Macaron because we are the industry leader with premium products, beautiful store designs, and an excellent track record from existing franchisees who are experiencing success nationwide,” she said. “Our confectionery is now producing more than 32,000 macarons per day, which is more than 30,000 per day we produced at this time last year.”

With the $17.1 billion bakery and café industry experiencing 0.8% growth in 2023 alone when profit will reach 5.4%, Le Macaron sets itself apart by treating customers to a taste of Paris, including vibrant, colorful décor, traditional music, and a menu featuring freshly prepared macarons, pastries, gelato, coffee, gourmet chocolates, cakes, éclairs, European style beverages and more. Available in more than 20 delicious flavors, macarons are also available in seasonal flavors to commemorate holidays and special occasions, and the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business year-round.

For more information about the Le Macaron French Pastries franchise opportunity please visit http://lemacaronfranchise.com/.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron, the leading French Pastries and Macaron franchise in the United States, announced the upcoming openings of three new locations this spring in Traverse City, Michigan, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Tampa, Florida, with an additional 8-10 locations planned by the end of summer. As the #1 macaron franchise with more than 70 locations nationwide, the popular French patisserie is enjoying steady expansion as successful franchisees scramble to open multiple locations and new owners hold grand openings for shops, kiosks in malls, or food trucks.

“We are thrilled with our accelerated growth, and we are fortunate to have inquiries from interested franchisees all over the country,” said Le Macaron spokesperson Greg Guillem. “At our current pace, we are on track to have up to 20 new locations within the next year.”

Le Macaron locations planned for summer openings include Columbus, Ohio, Tucson, Arizona, Long Beach, California, Sacramento, California, Pembroke Pines, Florida, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, New York, and Miami.

The upcoming grand opening scheduled for mid-May in Traverse City at 332 Front Street is the second location for owner Bobbi Jo Blanton, who also owns a Le Macaron store with her husband, William, in Grand Rapids. Blanton is so enamored of her experience as a Le Macaron franchisee that she is scouting for a third location to open in the future.

“It’s extremely rewarding to bring the taste of authentic macarons to these communities,” Blanton said.

New owners Natalia Mejia and Camito Beltran are preparing to open their store at RIO Lakefront at 9841 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg, Maryland while owners Sanjam and Karam Chawla will open a mobile kiosk at International Plaza in Tampa. All the new franchisees are banking on the fact that interest in delicious, bite-sized macarons is trending throughout the country. Le Macaron co-founder Rosalie Guillem says prospective franchisees and consumers are learning about why quality, authenticity, and freshness define Le Macaron as a premium brand and the leader in its category.

“What sets Le Macaron apart from competitors is that we are a best-in-class brand with authentic macarons prepared fresh daily by our French pastry chefs,” said Guillem. “We have more than 20 delicious flavors as well as seasonal flavors to delight customers of all ages, including those who are looking for a Parisian café experience.”

Le Macaron treats customers to a taste of Paris, including vibrant, colorful décor, traditional music, and a menu featuring freshly prepared macarons, pastries, gelato, coffee, gourmet chocolates, cakes, éclairs, European style beverages and more. Macarons are also available in seasonal flavors to commemorate holidays and special occasions, and the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business year-around.

For more information about the Le Macaron French Pastries franchise opportunity please visit http://lemacaronfranchise.com/.

SARASOTA, Fla. — As the holiday season approaches, Le Macaron aficionados can now savor the flavors of the season with new Pumpkin, Gingerbread Christmas, and Champagne macarons. Available at all 67 Le Macaron locations nationwide, the decadent, colorful confections with more than 20 year-around flavors are perfect for corporate gifting, family, or friends. Also stealing the show during the holiday season are new flavors of gelato, gourmet chocolates, eclairs, European style beverages, and a limited time offering Peanut Butter and Jelly macaron.

“The holidays are the perfect time to relax and indulge with the finest, authentic macarons and French pastries at our cozy and welcoming cafes,” said Le Macaron co-founder Rosalie Guillem. “Our customers tell us they love being treated to a Parisian-style café experience.”

Handmade from scratch with premium, gluten-free ingredients by French chefs, the distinctive taste of the macarons has catapulted the brand to the nation’s #1 French Pastries and Macaron franchise in the nation. The cafes stretch from coast to coast, but there are still plenty of territories and franchise locations available at special pricing from now until the end of 2022, according to Franchise Development Director Greg Guillem.

“We are nearing the end of the year in a very strong position due to unprecedented growth,” Guillem said. “By offering special discounts on franchises during the next six weeks, this is our gift to prospective franchisees who have been thinking about operating their own successful Le Macaron café. In addition to special discounts, we continually offer support and guidance to our owners to help them succeed in their new venture.”

Le Macaron franchises dot landscapes from Alabama to Arizona with new locations continuously in development. Recently Le Macaron celebrated store openings in Cool Springs, Tennessee, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Elkhart, Indiana, and Valley Bend, Alabama. Additional openings planned throughout the remainder of the year include Columbus, Ohio, Clearwater, Florida, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dixon, Arizona, New York City and Fischers and Caramel, Indiana.

“We currently have nearly 20 franchises in various stages of development,” explained Guillem. “For anyone interested in learning more about franchise opportunities, this is the perfect time to explore the possibilities. We believe that 2023 will be even busier for us, as more people are learning about the benefits and ease of starting their own Le Macaron franchise.”

Le Macaron was recently named to the FranServe 2022 Fran-Tastic 500 list, which recognizes the top franchises in the country. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com

Annual Award Honors Top 50 Women Disrupting the Franchise Industry.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Rosalie Guillem, co-founder of Le Macaron French Pastries, the #1 macaron franchise in the United States, has been recognized as a Woman of Wonder by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. The national digital publication annually selects 50 women nationwide who are disrupting the franchise industry as “Women of Wonder” (WOW). Winners are featured in the current October 2022 issue with proceeds donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Women are disrupting the franchising space and it’s thrilling!” said Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “By implementing culture and understanding the importance of everyone feeling valued, women can gain commitments from their teams and implement innovative ideas for success. Our ’50 Women of Wonder’ (WOW) are fran-tastic, talented, strong, and dynamic! The franchise community is better for their leadership and wisdom, and we are honored and excited to celebrate their powerful contributions.”

Founded in 2009, Le Macaron features authentic macarons and pastries prepared daily by French-trained chefs. Since franchise development began in 2012, Guillem has grown the company from its headquarters in Sarasota, Florida, to 64 locations nationwide. Le Macaron is purposefully expanding in new markets where customers clamor for delicious, authentic macarons, gourmet chocolates, French gelato, European-style coffee, and other classic French pastries. In addition to Le Macaron’s cafes, the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business that operates at a brisk pace year around.

“I am pleased and humbled to be selected as a Woman of Wonder,” said Guillem. “Franchising has been a challenge and an adventure for us, and we are grateful to our franchisees and owners who have helped us succeed. It is extremely rewarding to witness our continued growth and expansion throughout the United States.”

Le Macaron operates franchise stores coast-to-coast from Alabama to Arizona and offers lucrative opportunities for prospective franchisees. Recently, Le Macaron celebrated store openings in Cool Springs, Tennessee, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Elkhart, Indiana, and Valley Bend, Alabama. Additional openings planned throughout the remainder of the year include Columbus, Ohio, Clearwater, Florida, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dixon, Arizona, and New York City. Guillem, who co-founded Le Macaron with her daughter, Audrey Saba, has been the inspiration for many franchisees who were determined to start their own businesses.

“In addition to our 64 locations, we have nearly 20 franchises in various stages of development,” said Guillem. “We continually offer support and encouragement to our owners to help them succeed every step of the way.”

In addition to the WOW recognition, Le Macaron was recently named to the FranServe 2022 Fran-Tastic 500 list, which recognizes the top franchises in the country. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com

Franchise Dictionary Magazine is a national digital publication, with nearly 450,000 readers and targets prospective franchisees in an informative and educational format. For more information visit www.franchisedictionarymagazine.com

#1 Macaron Franchise Brand Welcomes Franchisees from Throughout the U.S.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron French Pastries, the #1 macaron franchise brand in the United States, celebrated a year of unprecedented growth, innovation, and success with its franchisees from throughout the country. Sixty-five attendees gathered in Orlando for the company’s annual event with the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” which included presentations, workshops, and discussions about how the brand’s 64 locations will continue to thrive in the future.

Keynote speaker and founder Rosalie Guillem welcomed attendees, thanked them for their hard work and dedication, and promised the remainder of 2022 and 2023 would be full of “sweet surprises.”

“Le Macaron has so much to be grateful for as we continue to grow and capitalize on our success as the #1 macaron franchise brand,” she said. “Together, with the help of our amazing franchisees, we have achieved success beyond our wildest dreams. We can look forward to the future as we continue to innovate and delight our customers with the most delicious, authentic macarons and pastries prepared lovingly by our French-trained chefs.”

Le Macaron congratulated all its franchise owners with a special nod to stores with the best gross sales in 2021, including: Las Vegas, NV, Sarasota, FL, Nashville, TN, St. Augustine, FL, San Diego, CA, Huntsville, AL, Milwaukee, WI, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Charleston, NC, and Celebration, FL. Greg Guillem announced 11 additional locations opening soon, including: Lake Charles, LA, Chapel Hill, NC, Albuquerque, NM, Boston (Somerville) MA, Cambridge, MA, Grand Rapids, MI, and Cool Springs, TN.

In addition to new locations, attendees were excited by the announcement of new products and seasonal flavors. Audrey and Didier Saba presented the Confectionary Update and talked about the rollout of new chocolates, including Milk Chocolate Nuts, Rice Crispy Milk Chocolate, M & M Milk Chocolate, Oreo Milk Chocolate, and Chocolate Baby Pink. Two new gelato flavors, Rum Raisin and Strawberry Sorbet, were also unveiled, bringing the brand’s total number of flavors to 16. In addition, Le Macaron introduced a new Peanut Butter and Jelly macaron and a seasonal Champagne flavored macaron.

“Our new product updates reflect our commitment to continuous innovation so that we can offer our guests new and exciting flavors,” said Rosalie Guillem. She added that more seasonal flavors would be announced in the near future.

Following an informal contest to announce Le Macaron’s new slogan, attendees received tee shirts with the winning phrase: “OUI, We Know. Macarons Make Friends.”

“This is the perfect slogan for us, as we know when guests come into our stores and learn about our macarons, we end up making friends,” said Rosalie Guillem. “And it is wonderful when our loyal customers bring their friends to experience Le Macaron. This is what our business is all about.”

Franchise locations propel Le Macaron to #1 Macaron Franchise in the U.S.

SARASOTA, Fla. — According to National Today, a new franchise business opens every eight minutes each day. Le Macaron, the #1 choice for authentic French macarons and pastries, is largely contributing to this statistic with more than 64 franchise locations nationwide and numerous store openings planned throughout the year. On Saturday, September 3, Le Macaron co-owners Rosalie Guillem and Audrey Saba are recognizing the dedication and commitment of the entrepreneurs and small business owners who have helped make Le Macaron a success.

“We are congratulating each and every one of our franchisees on a job well done,” said Guillem. “Our loyal, industrious owners are the backbone of our business, and we would not be where we are today without them.”

Franchise Appreciation Day is traditionally celebrated every year on the Saturday before Labor Day. The day is observed to create awareness among consumers about local franchises and how they can support them. Entrepreneurs and small business owners also learn about how they can jump start a business through the power of franchising.

Le Macaron operates franchise stores coast-to-coast from Alabama to Arizona. Last month Le Macaron celebrated store openings in Cool Springs, Tennessee, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Elkhart, Indiana, and Valley Bend, Alabama. Additional openings planned throughout the remainder of the year include Columbus, Ohio, Clearwater, Florida, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dixon, Arizona, and New York City. Le Macaron is purposefully expanding in new markets where customers clamor for delicious, authentic macarons, gourmet chocolates, French gelato, European-style coffee, and other classic French pastries. In addition to Le Macaron’s cafes, the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business that operates at a brisk pace year around.

Founded in 2009, Guillem said Le Macaron is committed to offering authentic, premium products prepared daily by French-trained chefs. While the mission is to delight customers and treat them to a Parisian-style café experience, Le Macaron is also focused on offering lucrative opportunities for potential franchisees.

“We have nearly 20 franchises in various stages of development,” said Guillem. “We continually offer support and guidance to our owners to help them succeed every step of the way.”

Le Macaron was recently named to the FranServe 2022 Fran-Tastic 500 list, which recognizes the top franchises in the country. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com.

New locations in Alabama, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Tennessee Welcome Customers.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Le Macaron French Pastries, the #1 destination for authentic French macarons and pastries, announced four new locations this month in Alabama, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. The openings solidify the brand’s position as the top French Patisserie with 64 locations nationwide and at least 10 additional stores planned by the end of the year. The new locations include:

• Cool Springs, Tennessee located at 1800 Galleria Blvd. The new store joins the Nashville location as the second Le Macaron in Tennessee
• Cambridge, Massachusetts at 1374 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 101 in Harvard Square. The location marks the second in Massachusetts, following the opening of the Somerville store last month
• Elkhart, Indiana located at 503 S. Main Street. The Elkhart is one of three locations planned for Indiana
• Valley Bend, Alabama located at 315 The Bridge Street in Huntsville

“We are delighted to welcome these new franchisees to the Le Macaron family,” said founder Rosalie Guillem. “The owners of these locations are highly motivated and looking forward to interacting with guests as well as the communities they serve.”

Le Macaron is purposefully expanding in new markets where customers clamor for delicious, authentic macarons, gourmet chocolates, French gelato, European-style coffee, and other classic French pastries. Founded in 2009 by Rosalie Guillem and her daughter, Audrey Saba, Le Macaron is committed to offering premium products and excellent service to its customers while also offering lucrative opportunities for franchisees.

“We have more than 15 franchises in various stages of development,” said Le Macaron spokesperson Greg Guillem. “Our profitable annual unit volumes are exceeding expectations and fueling more growth, so it’s a very exciting time for us.”

Le Macaron’s traditional music and European-style décor offers customers the experience of an inviting, sophisticated Parisian café. The menu features more than 20 flavors of macarons and frequently includes seasonal flavors and limited time offerings to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Macarons take center stage, but there are plenty of classic French pastries such as Napoleons, homemade chocolates, cakes, and gelato to tempt the most discerning sweet tooth. In addition to Le Macaron’s cafes, the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business that operates at a brisk pace year around.

Le Macaron was recently named to the FranServe 2022 Fran-Tastic 500 list, which recognizes the top franchises in the country. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com.

Rapidly Growing Franchise Has More Than Twice the Number of Locations as Any Competitors.

SARASOTA, Fla. — It’s been 13 years since Le Macaron French Pastries® opened its first location in Sarasota, Florida in 2009. The business reunited a family with co-founders Rosalie Guillem and her daughter and son-in-law Audrey and Didier Saba at the helm. Rosalie’s son, Gregory, opened the first franchise in Winter Park, Florida, and is now the company’s Director of Operations and Franchising. Since Le Macaron first began franchising in 2012, it has rapidly expanded with more than 63 locations, making it the #1 French Pastries and Macaron Franchise in the United States. Growth continues throughout the country with three new locations announced in these cities:

• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Located downtown at 132 Monroe Center St. NW and operated by franchisees Bobbi Jo and William Blanton
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: Located at 6241 Riverside Plaza and operated by franchisees Tami O’Brien and her daughter, Victoria Ruggles
• Somerville, Massachusetts: Located at 411 Artisan Way Somerville and operated by franchisee Debbie Hilton-Creek.

“We are delighted to welcome these new franchisees to the Le Macaron family,” said Rosalie Guillem. “These are great locations with enthusiastic owners dedicated to their communities, so we know they will be successful.”

Le Macaron is leading the way with America’s steadily growing love affair with macarons. Although some industry experts predicted macarons would be a short-lived trend or a fad, a study by ventured.com reported that “The French macaron has had a 13 times increase in market penetration in the past 10 years.” Guillem is not surprised, as her simple marketing strategy of sampling and educating about macarons has won over thousands of loyal customers.

“We tell our customers we are a premium brand with authentic macarons prepared fresh daily by our staff of French pastry chefs in Sarasota,” she said. “We have more than 20 delicious flavors as well as seasonal flavors, and our macarons are handmade from scratch with raw ingredients. The quality is the biggest difference between our macarons and other brands, which are almost always frozen. Le Macaron offers freshly made macarons shipped daily to franchises on refrigerated trucks, so they are guaranteed to arrive bursting with flavor. Many customers say they are addicted after the first bite!”

Le Macaron delights customers with the ambience of a Parisian café, including colorful, sophisticated décor, traditional music, and a menu that boasts more than 20 flavors of macarons, pastries, gelato, coffee, chocolates, cakes, éclairs, European style beverages, and more. Macarons are also available in seasonal flavors to commemorate holidays and special occasions, and the company has a thriving catering and corporate gifting business as well.

“The macaron is the jewel of French pastries,” explained Rosalie Guillem. “At just 70-80 calories, our customers consider them treats and permissible indulgences. They come to celebrate occasions with family and friends, to buy gifts, or simply to relax and enjoy our welcoming atmosphere.”

According to Gregory Guillem, Director of Operations and Franchising, the expansion momentum will continue throughout 2022 with as many as 10 additional locations opening across the country.

“Currently we have 10 new franchises in various stages of development,” he explained. “Some have recently signed agreements, some are undergoing construction, and a few are slated to open later this summer. It’s a remarkably busy year for us, as more people are learning about the benefits and ease of starting their own Le Macaron franchise.”

For more information about the Le Macaron French Pastries franchise opportunity please visit http://lemacaronfranchise.com/.