La Madeleine’s LinkedIn announcement confirmed John Dillon’s departure as CEO and president, a position he held for roughly a year and a half. In the post, Dillon wrote that his chapter with the bakery-café chain had ended last month.
The move comes as the brand faces a difficult stretch. La Madeleine ended 2025 with domestic sales of $175.5 million, a more than 10% decline from the prior year. The chain had 86 U.S. units, down 5%, according to Technomic.
Dillon’s Time at La Madeleine
Dillon’s LinkedIn post highlighted several initiatives since he took the helm:
- A new brunch menu
- New value offerings
- An elevated bakery
- A new prototype built for franchise growth
- A pipeline of potential locations
He cited a ranking showing La Madeleine at No. 1 among 160+ brands when it comes to how Gen Z perceives value, according to Technomic’s Ignite data.
The post left open what comes after Dillon, merely stating that his time with the company was over. No further details were given. Dillon did not reply at once when asked for more information.
The Coffee Overhaul
Just last week, La Madeleine rolled out a new specialty coffee program, along with a few signature lattes, as part of its broader transformation plan. That plan was announced six months ago as part of an “Ignite the Joy” menu overhaul.
In his post, Dillon highlighted guest ratings as well, saying, “We put hospitality at the center of the cafes, and guest ratings climbed.”
A Long Track Record
Dillon carries extensive experience in casual dining, including 16 years serving as president for Denny’s, most recently as that brand’s. He has also held marketing roles with Pizza Hut and the Houston Rockets.
As founder and managing partner of HMS Growth Partners, he runs a growth advisory firm. This position rounds out the portrait of a leader who has alternated between executive roles and advisory work over his career.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The Top 500 report from La Madeleine’s sales fell 10% or more in 2025, and the chain lost five of its 86 U.S. units. Those figures come from Technomic’, which found that chain restaurants slowed again in 2025 as consumers cut back on dining.
The report found that coffee, beverages and snacks, and chicken were among the sectors that did well.
What Comes Next
The chain is owned by France-based Groupe Le Duff, with its U.S. base in Dallas, which adds another layer to the story. La Madeleine did not immediately answer questions about Dillon’s replacement.
The Company’s Ownership Structure
Groupe Le Duff owns La Madeleine, with its U.S. headquarters in Dallas.
The Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Ignite the Joy menu overhaul announced | Six months ago |
| Specialty coffee rollout | Last week |
| Dillon’s LinkedIn post | Last month |
Dillon’s LinkedIn post celebrated the brand’s trajectory, but the numbers tell a different story. La Madeleine’s sales declined 10% or more in 2025, and the chain lost five of its 86 U.S. units.
The question of whether the coffee rollout will halt the decline still hangs in the balance.
Dillon’s exit closes a chapter at a moment when the company’s fortunes are under pressure. The next chapter has not been named.
Source material: “John Dillon steps down as CEO, president of La Madeleine,” Nation's Restaurant News.
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