Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development

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By Flavor & The Menu
May 6, 2021

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Kerri McLeroy

Kerri McLeroy

Like most heritage brands, the 40-year-old La Madeleine French Bakery and Café has evolved with the times, balancing its legacy fare, like the Croque Monsieur, with newer items, such as the Nutella Croissant Muffin. The aptly named Our Famous Tomato-Basil Soup is a signature, anchoring the menu since the early days. This comforting classic not only serves as a brand ambassador that lures in diners, it has inspired offerings in the concept’s growing soup family, with versions such as Spicy Tomato & Kale and Roasted Red Pepper.

Starring a rich cream base, the soup is made with vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil. “This has been our No. 1 selling soup from the start,” says Kerri McLeroy, Senior Director of Marketing.

“Our guests come back time and time again for this classic item.” Indeed, its popularity led to the development of a packaged retail version sold in-store and at select grocers.

 

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About The Author

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Leigh Kunkel is a freelance journalist with more than a decade of restaurant industry experience as a server, bartender and sommelier. She has written about restaurant operations for B2B publications, as well as foodservice brands, including Beam Suntory and Dawn Foods. She specializes in covering flavor, ingredient and cuisine trends. Leigh has also covered the food and beverage world for a wide range of consumer outlets such as The New York Times, Eater and Vinepair.