La Madeleine, Inc. announced today that Wally Doolin, CEO of la Madeleine will be leaving the company effective November 1, 2004 to accept the chairman and CEO appointments with Buca, Inc. Wally Doolin was appointed CEO of la Madeleine in March, 2002 and is largely responsible for developing the company’s new strategic plan for growth including the recent opening of its newest unit since 1998

“It is with mixed emotions that I leave la Madeleine. It is a great brand with great people. I am confident that the business is well positioned for growth and I will remain as both an investor and board member of the company,” stated Doolin.

“Wally has made significant contributions to la Madeleine. Under Wally’s leadership, this exceptional brand has been repositioned for growth. He assembled a strong, experienced management team that I have confidence will take the company into the future.  We wish him much success in his new role,” said Jean-Roch Vachon, chairman of la Madeleine.

Jean-Roch Vachon, chairman will assume the role of interim CEO while a search is initiated for Doolin’s successor. Vachon has held chairman and CEO roles in various retail and foodservice industries since 1982. He is also a shareholder in the company.

La Madeleine Bakery, Cafe & Bistro, currently operates 63 units in nine markets. The company recently opened its newest location in Houston, Texas with a second location scheduled next month in The Woodlands, Texas. La Madeleine features authentic French country cuisine adapted to American tastes and is known as a gathering place where guests are encouraged to linger. The new prototype retains the same French country ambiance and also features a new separate coffee and wine area with expanded soft seating. La Madeleine has twice been named one of the Top 10 bakeries in the U.S. by Bon Appetit Magazine and one of the top 50 Regional Powerhouse chains by Nation’s Restaurant News. The company was founded in Dallas 21 years ago as a bakery and evolved into a neighborhood café and bistro. For more company information, visit www.lamadeleine.com.