MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new bakery is serving up a little piece of France in Middle Tennessee.
“There’s nothing like it of its kind,” said Rick Bearup, owner of La Madeleine Bakery & Cafe.
The moment you walk in, the smell of buttery croissants and fresh bread fills the air, transporting you straight to France without leaving Middle Tennessee.
“I saw that there was a need for some type of bakery cafe here in Mt. Juliet,” Bearup said.
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(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
La Madeleine Bakery & Cafe, a concept that started in Dallas, is now planting roots in Mt. Juliet, bringing a new flavor to the state.
“I’ve been looking for a franchise idea for probably about five years now, and I came across La Madeline about three years ago and started doing some research on it, and it sounded like a great concept to bring to Mt. Juliet,” Bearup explained.
It is the latest addition to the Golden Bear Gateway, an area that is quickly transforming from rural land into a busy hub of business and growth.
“The growth here is going to continue,” Bearup said. “This is the future of Mt. Juliet, this part. This is Providence 20 years ago.”
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Inside La Madaleine, breakfast is served all day long.
“But the difference is you get a potato galette, which is an elevated hash brown,” Bearup said.
Fresh pastries are made right in front guests.
“What I really love are croissants and the baked goods, oh my gosh, so good desserts are my thing,” Bearup said.
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
Bearup told News 2 it is not just about the food, it’s about creating a space where people want to stay and keep coming back.
“I just love seeing all the smiles, just people enjoying themselves,” Bearup descibed.
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“You know, sit by the fireplace, just hang out, and just have a good time,” he added. “If you want to stop here to do some work or just relax and make it part of your home.”
As this part of Mt. Juliet continues to grow, the bakery and cafe hope to grow right along with it, one customer and croissant at a time.
“I’m hoping to see that, of course, we become well established in this community, but also looking for other Middle Tennessee locations,” Bearup said.
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Dining and Cooking