Walmart to test in-store Le Madeleine bakery, café

Walmart is partnering with a casual restaurant brand known for its “French comfort food.”

In a test, La Madeleine French Bakery & Café will open in-store locations in 10 Walmart stores throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. The first is expected to open in July, in Garland, with the remaining nine locations to open shortly after.

The news comes as McDonald’s https://chainstoreage.com/mcdonalds-closing-hundreds-locations-inside-walmart-stores is closing hundreds of restaurants that are located inside Walmart stores throughout the country. Walmart has said it plans to convert the former McDonald’s sites into other types of restaurants and services.

The Walmart stores will feature a downsized version of La Madeleine’s Express prototype, with a footprint that will range from 980 sq. ft. to 2,209 sq. ft. The menu will offer grab-and-go options as well as dine-in offerings. Some items, like pizzas, have been created specifically for its Walmart locations.

In addition, each Express will have a retail area where guests can buy soups, jams, sauces and more.

“We’re very excited about Walmart’s curated food service experience for customers,” said la Madeleine CEO Lionel Ladouceur. “We look forward to making it even more convenient for the DFW community to enjoy the la Madeleine experience, while also introducing our French comfort food to Walmart shoppers that are looking for more diverse dining choices.”

Founded in 1983 and based in Dallas, La Madeleine is owned by France-based Groupe Le Duff. It currently has some 85 locations in nine states.