La Madeleine French Café promoted Christine Johnson to chief operating officer, the chain announced Thursday.
Johnson had previously served as chief administrative officer, as well as vice president and general counsel, for Le Duff America, la Madeleine’s parent company. Before that, she served as general counsel for Dickey’s Barbeque Pit and also for a large, Texas-based franchise group.
Under her new role, Johnson will oversee all of the brand’s restaurant-level operations, marketing and franchising development.
“Christine has an extensive background in franchising, retail and hospitality, which has given her a great understanding of corporate profitability, operations and marketing,” CEO Lionel Ladouceur said in a statement. “She’s an innovative and well-rounded leader who brings a wealth of experience and industry know-how to our brand.”
The French bakery-café brand, which opened its first location in 1983, debuted its first drive-thru last year. The chain has 86 locations in nine states.
Johnson said she intends to refine the improvements made during the pandemic to create a “more dynamic and adaptable brand.”
“Our industry has changed drastically in recent years, and we must embrace this without losing sight of our identity and the amazing legacy our brand has created,” she said. “As we achieve this, la Madeleine will have the ability to grow from a regional brand into an international one.”
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