Article: French evolution: Wally Doolin brings chain sensibility to la Madeleine by adding efficiency to the regional favorite's strengths. .(Company Profile)(Cover Story)

After 13 years as a top Dallas-based TGI Friday's executive, including the last eight years as CEO of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, Wally Doolin moved from a corporate role to an entrepreneurial one. He took a job across town last May to meet the challenges of la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe.

The underachieving 62-unit chain had built customer loyalty over two decades but barely made a profit. The bakery and bistro chain with a French touch was started in 1983 by Patrick Esquerre and his mother, who created the initial recipes. Its from-scratch pastas, entrees and bakery items garnered loyal customers. But by 1999 la Madeleine was $33 million in debt, ...

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