I guess you missed the fact that I liked your use of the word ludicrous. As for comparing Le Mad's to Mimi's or either one of them to McDonalds or The Mantle . . . well . . . that's a different matter. (ps I only ate at Mimi's once. It wasn't bad, just average. to put it in perspective, I thought the food at the former "Good Eats Cafe" where "The Ranch" is now, was above average and a very good value. Much like Le Mad's might be. I just wish the managment would get off their Le Duff and tell us where it is going to be.)

OOPS. I misread it. Thought it originally said NOT to be believed. LOL Guess I got too defensive too early.:doh:

I went this last week to the one in Dallas Arts District.

While it wasn't out of this world, it was cheap enough, and still pretty tasty.

I also dropped the Quiche I received before I paid for it...sheepishly went to the back of the line, got another quiche with the one I dropped on my tray and the manager came over for me and insisted that I not pay for the dropped one.

So I bought some cookies and a drink out of guilt.

Haven't really heard any more about this since this discussion started back in March...any word/update?

Haven't really heard any more about this since this discussion started back in March...any word/update? Update. I stopped at LaMadeleines on Hwy 121 & Parkwood in Frisco for my monthly fix and chatted with the manager that was on duty. She stated that OKC is still " a go" however, the location that they initally choose did not work out. She is going to get back with me in a couple of days to find out a tentative date. She also stated they get lots of Okies coming and eating there since it is so close to Stonebriare Mall and the OK border.

Update. I stopped at LaMadeleines on Hwy 121 & Parkwood in Frisco for my monthly fix and chatted with the manager that was on duty. She stated that OKC is still " a go" however, the location that they initally choose did not work out. She is going to get back with me in a couple of days to find out a tentative date. She also stated they get lots of Okies coming and eating there since it is so close to Stonebriare Mall and the OK border.

Do you happen to know what location had they originally picked? And where are they going now?

Great info, too bad they appear to be delayed a bit. Thought perhaps that might be the case based on how long it had been since the original info was posted...

Do you happen to know what location had they originally picked? And where are they going now?

Great info, too bad they appear to be delayed a bit. Thought perhaps that might be the case based on how long it had been since the original info was posted... Talk about a strange turn of events. Went into LM this morning to get coffee and talked with another Manager on duty and discussed about opening of a OKC store. He had a perplexed look on his face and asked me "Who told you this?" I stated the manager that was on duty on Friday relayed this information to me, plus it was published information in the OKC newspaper. He stated that OKC location has been shelved because the Tulsa location is way "underperforming" and not doing well? He further stated that they are expanding at a very slow pace. Thought this was odd since there was such a disparity between the two managers giving two different statements? Go figure? Maybe OKC will get a "Corner Bakery" concept. They are good.

Talk about a strange turn of events. Went into LM this morning to get coffee and talked with another Manager on duty and discussed about opening of a OKC store. He had a perplexed look on his face and asked me "Who told you this?" I stated the manager that was on duty on Friday relayed this information to me, plus it was published information in the OKC newspaper. He stated that OKC location has been shelved because the Tulsa location is way "underperforming" and not doing well? He further stated that they are expanding at a very slow pace. Thought this was odd since there was such a disparity between the two managers giving two different statements? Go figure? Maybe OKC will get a "Corner Bakery" concept. They are good.

Oh, man, this is a major bummer. Wife and mom will not like to hear this. At all.

Here's hoping the managers just don't all have the right/same information.

That's what happens when you buy into the Tulsa hype.

Stinks, because I know if it were here it would be a smashing success.

That's what happens when you buy into the Tulsa hype.

Stinks, because I know if it were here it would be a smashing success.

Yet 90% of national retailers still insist that Tulsa is a more favorable market than OKC. They probably still assume that and since Tulsa is underperforming OKC will do even worse. Unfortunately, a lot of the retail OKC does get depends greatly on how well it does in Tulsa first.

Talk about a strange turn of events. Went into LM this morning to get coffee and talked with another Manager on duty and discussed about opening of a OKC store. He had a perplexed look on his face and asked me "Who told you this?" I stated the manager that was on duty on Friday relayed this information to me, plus it was published information in the OKC newspaper. He stated that OKC location has been shelved because the Tulsa location is way "underperforming" and not doing well? He further stated that they are expanding at a very slow pace. Thought this was odd since there was such a disparity between the two managers giving two different statements? Go figure? Maybe OKC will get a "Corner Bakery" concept. They are good.

Ask and you shall receive....

Turning some new Corners: Cafes coming to Oklahoma | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2013/08/15/turning-some-corners-dallas-company-to-enter-oklahoma-with-cafes-real-estate/)

TULSA – CBC Oklahoma LLC intends to establish seven or more Corner Bakery Cafe
locations in the Sooner State over the next three to five years. That’s part of a 60-plus-unit expansion in California, Florida and Massachusetts announced Thursday by
Dallas-based CBC Restaurant Corp., an arm of the Atlanta private equity firm Roark

Capital Group. Its Oklahoma starting point depends on where the new

franchise owner closes its first land deal, said President and Managing Partner Kavit Patel. “We’re actually in negotiations with several different sites,” he said Thursday. “We have three ongoing.”

Patel said metropolitan Oklahoma City could support three to four locations, with two to three more in Tulsa and one in Lawton. As the chain uses both corner-cap in-line positions and stand-alone buildings, Patel said a typical



Corner Bakery may range from 3,200 to 4,200 square feet, employing a staff of 35 to 55 workers. “We’re looking at about $1.2 million per store,” he said of the initial cost, with projected firstyear

revenue coming in at about $1.8 million to $2 million, depending on the market.

CBC Oklahoma hopes to get its first store running in the first quarter, although it could come sooner. “It only takes about three to five months to build it, so even if we got a spot within the next four weeks, we could probably have one ready by the end of the year,” Patel said. “But we probably don’t want to rush it.”




Thursday’s announcements bring Corner Bakery to almost 300 cafe commitments nationwide, said Vice President of Franchise Sales Gregg Koffler, advancing the company’s goal to double its U.S. footprint within four years. The 22-year-old chain operates 152 stores in 14 states and Washington, D.C. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, its health-oriented menu of more than 100 items ranges from breakfast scramblers and paninis to sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and desserts.That supports a $9.80 average ticket, said Patel, with breakfast about $7 and lunch $9. “They cater to a younger population that’s going after healthy food, looking for options, not

looking for fast food,” he said. “Two-thirds of their demographic are women.”
With consumers’ increasing focus on healthy foods, Tulsa retail broker



Mark Rooney expects Corner Bakery to do well in Oklahoma.


“Their food is very good,” said Rooney, who is helping Patel shop Oklahoma’s real estate

markets with fellow CB Richard Ellis of Oklahoma broker Mark Inman. “The ones I’ve been to had good service. They are clean. The aesthetics of the restaurant are very nice.”
Dallas-based CBC Oklahoma enters this sector with more than three decades of experience in the Sooner State’s hospitality market. Through different entities, the family owns more than 30 hotels nationwide, including eight in Oklahoma, with two under construction in Oklahoma City. The family also owns a chain of Subway locations in Texas. “We’ve been looking for something unique, something new, to bring to the state of Oklahoma for a while,” Patel said. He said the family appreciated most everything about Corner Bakery, from its menu and presentation to its innovations and catering programs. “That whole atmosphere really appealed to us in particular,” he said. “That’s kind of what I wanted it for.”

Anyone heard anything about a possible rebirth for La Madeleine's here in OKC with the retail/restaurant boom we are having?

No, but this would be a great fit for the restaurant space at Aloft.

I think I remember hearing that an OKC location was scrapped because the Tulsa location underperformed. We are getting a Corner Bakery though.

The Norman location closed down?

The Norman location closed down?

Where was a La Madeleine in Norman?

Oops confused with Marie Calendars. Just disregard...

Oops confused with Marie Calendars. Just disregard...
Well they both have the letters M, L, A, D, E, I, N, and S in the name so it's easy to make that mistake. :)

Oops confused with Marie Calendars. Just disregard...

Marie's closed a long time back. I think a new concept is either there now, or in the process of going in. I don't get down that parkway real often.

Marie's closed a long time back. I think a new concept is either there now, or in the process of going in. I don't get down that parkway real often.

I think most (all?) of the Marie Callendar's are gone. Think they were bought out a few years ago by a hotel/motel chain and promptly run into the ground.

Now, even though this thread is > 1 year old, I'd still like to hold out hope for a La Maedline's in OKC, foolish sort that I am :)

Remembered my lovely and youngest son went to Red Robin yesterday afternoon. Asked if she noticed and she reminded me she had already mentioned the new eatery at the former Marie's on Ed Noble is The Shack Oyster and Seafood Bar. My bad.
The Shack Seafood and Oyster Bar - West Norman - Norman | Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1808956/restaurant/Oklahoma-City/West-Norman/The-Shack-Seafood-and-Oyster-Bar-Norman)

LaMadeleines has a pretty narrow demographic that it primarily appeals to; female, white, 25-70, former sorority member or bitter because you couldn't be one and now you have new money, so screw those *****es. If you don't fit that demo and are still in a LaMadeleines, you were likely dragged there by someone who DOES fit that description. It should probably go to Nichols Hills Plaza, though if there isn't room there Classen Curve MIGHT do in a pinch, though they would probably lose a few old-money customers who think the newfangled CC represents everything that is wrong with the world.

Sorry, feeling a little bit feisty today.

LaMadeleines has a pretty narrow demographic that it primarily appeals to; female, white, 25-70, former sorority member or bitter because you couldn't be one and now you have new money, so screw those *****es. If you don't fit that demo and are still in a LaMadeleines, you were likely dragged there by someone who DOES fit that description. It should probably go to Nichols Hills Plaza, though if there isn't room there Classen Curve MIGHT do in a pinch, though they would probably lose a few old-money customers who think the newfangled CC represents everything that is wrong with the world.


Sorry, feeling a little bit feisty today.

Clearly, but that was funny.

LaMadeleines has a pretty narrow demographic that it primarily appeals to; female, white, 25-70, former sorority member or bitter because you couldn't be one and now you have new money, so screw those *****es. If you don't fit that demo and are still in a LaMadeleines, you were likely dragged there by someone who DOES fit that description. It should probably go to Nichols Hills Plaza, though if there isn't room there Classen Curve MIGHT do in a pinch, though they would probably lose a few old-money customers who think the newfangled CC represents everything that is wrong with the world.

As someone who lives down the street from one now, this is spot on. Also, the food is okay. On par with Mimis Cafe, but not a mouthgasm by any means. Don't get the appeal for those still in OKC outside of something that we don't have.

Sorry, feeling a little bit feisty today.

It made me chuckle. I can't testify to how true it is as I've never been, but adaniel can attest to it and he says you nailed it lol.

As someone who lives down the street from one now, this is spot on. Also, the food is okay. On par with Mimis Cafe, but not a mouthgasm by any means. Don't get the appeal for those still in OKC outside of something that we don't have.

I'm neither 25 nor female but I like La Madeline's very much. I don't think we have anything quite like it in OKC and think it would do well. Not saying its the greatest thing on earth since sliced bread, just a nice alternative, that's all. Guess I don't get all the negative reaction to the notion of something different/nice.

If folks think its stupid or old or whatever, c'est la vie...doesn't appear likely in the near future, anyway, so the issue is likely moot.

I'm not saying there is not a place for it; just that it really isn't for me. There are plenty of people who fit that description in OKC, who are currently underserved when looking for such a place.

I'm neither 25 nor female but I like La Madeline's very much. I don't think we have anything quite like it in OKC and think it would do well. Not saying its the greatest thing on earth since sliced bread, just a nice alternative, that's all. Guess I don't get all the negative reaction to the notion of something different/nice.

If folks think its stupid or old or whatever, c'est la vie...doesn't appear likely in the near future, anyway, so the issue is likely moot. Agree. OKC diners are such fickle people when it comes to something different. OKC has a mentality of value over quality. What hurts OKC is there is not an overabundance of high salaried, white collar jobs. IF OKC wants "upscale" then they need to act like a "upscale" city. LaMadeline's is successful and will continue too be without OKC's help.

La Madeleine is roughly as high-end as CoolGreens or Nebu. And I am hardly afraid of fine dining experiences. I'm generally used to NOT getting them from a buffet line and a plastic tray. I sincerely hope (and know) Dallas is not hanging its hat on La Madeleine as a paragon of "upscale." Just because it has quiche and sorority girls hardly makes it Jean Georges Central Park West.

La Madeleine is roughly as high-end as CoolGreens or Nebu. And I am hardly afraid of fine dining experiences. I'm generally used to NOT getting them from a buffet line and a plastic tray. I sincerely hope (and know) Dallas is not hanging its hat on La Madeleine as a paragon of "upscale." Just because it has quiche and sorority girls hardly makes it Jean Georges Central Park West.

Why do we need this place? I will take a second Kitchen 324 in Midtown or at Classen Curve any day over a La Madeleine. I would rather go local than to a fru fru chain. Maybe a Ludivine that does brunch? That would be insane. I really should have had breakfast!

Would have been a perfect place for Cafe 7.

Other options could be a Wrap shop or BETTER a Burrito place. Not sure if any of the Burrito chains have extensive hour concepts, but it would be an easy menu to adapt to all times of the day.

La Madeleine is roughly as high-end as CoolGreens or Nebu. And I am hardly afraid of fine dining experiences. I'm generally used to NOT getting them from a buffet line and a plastic tray. I sincerely hope (and know) Dallas is not hanging its hat on La Madeleine as a paragon of "upscale." Just because it has quiche and sorority girls hardly makes it Jean Georges Central Park West.

Did anyone here, particularly myself, suggest La Madeleine is a "paragon of upscale?" For Heaven's sake, its a place I've been to a few times, they're very nice, the atmosphere is very pleasant, the food is consistent, and is of a variety not typically offered here in OKC as far as I know, and I wish we had one here.

I enjoyed it, my family enjoyed it, and I wish we had one here. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't even begin to get all the sarcasm-wrapped hatred for the place. Geez.

Good grief.

No, it was directed at progressiveboy. Did you read his post? OKC apparently doesn't know what upscale is because we don't think La Madeleine is the end-all restaurant that we should be coveting for OKC. Again, back to my original post, it rates a solid "meh." Yes, I've been there, and would go again, but only if dragged there by a sorority girl.

Why do we need this place? I will take a second Kitchen 324 in Midtown or at Classen Curve any day over a La Madeleine. I would rather go local than to a fru fru chain. Maybe a Ludivine that does brunch? That would be insane. I really should have had breakfast!

La Madeleine is anything but fru fru. It might push middle of the road cafes to up their game a little, but is not a threat to any upscale locals that might exist.

No, it was directed at progressiveboy. Did you read his post? OKC apparently doesn't know what upscale is because we don't think La Madeleine is the end-all restaurant that we should be coveting for OKC. Again, back to my original post, it rates a solid "meh." Yes, I've been there, and would go again, but only if dragged there by a sorority girl.

She better be hot :D

LaMadeleines has a pretty narrow demographic that it primarily appeals to; female, white, 25-70, former sorority member or bitter because you couldn't be one and now you have new money, so screw those *****es. If you don't fit that demo and are still in a LaMadeleines, you were likely dragged there by someone who DOES fit that description. It should probably go to Nichols Hills Plaza, though if there isn't room there Classen Curve MIGHT do in a pinch, though they would probably lose a few old-money customers who think the newfangled CC represents everything that is wrong with the world.

How about a crappy strip mall in The Village instead?

It is amazing so many read so much into a cafe....so much hate, angst, bitterness, bias.... It is just a cafe. It offers an alternative decor and menu that some like, and apparently some attribute to lots of social trauma. This board has an insatiable appetite for categorizing and judging. It is just a cafe, not a social institution. It makes a very nice tomato soup, pretty good ceasar salad, some good bread, a simple french breakfast, a few average pasta dishes, some quiche, etc. It is not a gastronomic institute or an exclusive social club. If it comes to OKC it will be a nice addition to the casual food scene. If not, we will never suffer.

It is amazing so many read so much into a cafe....so much hate, angst, bitterness, bias.... It is just a cafe. It offers an alternative decor and menu that some like, and apparently some attribute to lots of social trauma. This board has an insatiable appetite for categorizing and judging. It is just a cafe, not a social institution. It makes a very nice tomato soup, pretty good ceasar salad, some good bread, a simple french breakfast, a few average pasta dishes, some quiche, etc. It is not a gastronomic institute or an exclusive social club. If it comes to OKC it will be a nice addition to the casual food scene. If not, we will never suffer.

Ahh, a flicker of sanity emerges amid the otherwise impenetrable fog in the asylum.....

Ahh, a flicker of sanity emerges amid the otherwise impenetrable fog in the asylum.....

Quite an analogy....

Ahh, a flicker of sanity emerges amid the otherwise impenetrable fog in the asylum.....

Actually - and who knows if Rover meant it this way though it's entirely possible or even likely that he did not - I think his sentiments are much more applicable to the people who are pushing the place as some sort of upscale wonderland. I am completely ambivalent as to whether it comes here or not. If so, it's fine, and one more option for people. Many of my comments were intended for comical effect, which has obviously been lost on some people. But I will stand my ground that the place is just a reasonably nice place that appeals mostly to ladies with means and social climbers. A few people here are way too caught up in defending this place. It's nice but not special. As Rover says:


...if it comes to OKC it will be a nice addition to the casual food scene. If not, we will never suffer.

I know it's easy to look at chains not located in OKC and long for them, but I'd take Kitchen No. 324 over this place or Corner Bakery any day.

Same with Red or Mahogany over Ruth's Chris.

And when we do get a great mini-chain like Whiskey Cake, people quickly forget that it was a great addition and move on to coveting something else.

I know all this is human nature but the bottom line is the OKC culinary scene has improved immensely in just the last few years and is getting better every day.

^^^^^^^^^

100% agree.

Our local restaurant scene used to be almost an embarrassment. Now, it is one of pride. Among the business people and friends that come from all over, they all are very impressed with the quantity and quality of local choices. We no longer have to apologize. There is nothing wrong with a few well run chains that fit niches, but be certainly don't have to covet them anymore.

Actually - and who knows if Rover meant it this way though it's entirely possible or even likely that he did not - I think his sentiments are much more applicable to the people who are pushing the place as some sort of upscale wonderland. I am completely ambivalent as to whether it comes here or not. If so, it's fine, and one more option for people. Many of my comments were intended for comical effect, which has obviously been lost on some people. But I will stand my ground that the place is just a reasonably nice place that appeals mostly to ladies with means and social climbers. A few people here are way too caught up in defending this place. It's nice but not special. As Rover says:

And I'm still trying to find the people who are "pushing it as some sort of upscale wonderland."

Like I said, it's just a nice place. My family liked the ones we've visited on a couple of vacation trips. I wish we had one. That's all.

Yeah, it's a chain. So what? Don't care. Still wish we had one.

Virtually every single restaurant and bar in our urban districts outside of Bricktown are local.

It's getting to be a very long list of excellent options with plenty more on the way.

And Bricktown has far more locally-based individual or restaurant group ownership than out-of-town chain ownership.

And I'm still trying to find the people who are "pushing it as some sort of upscale wonderland."...

Did you miss this post, or are you being deliberately obtuse? This post by itself was deliberately insulting.


Agree. OKC diners are such fickle people when it comes to something different. OKC has a mentality of value over quality. What hurts OKC is there is not an overabundance of high salaried, white collar jobs. IF OKC wants "upscale" then they need to act like a "upscale" city. LaMadeline's is successful and will continue too be without OKC's help.