Early Life
Louis Le Duff was born in 1945 or 1946 in Cléder, France. He attended Lycée de la Croix-Rouge in Brest, where he developed an interest in business. Le Duff pursued a bachelor's degree from the École supérieure des sciences commerciales d'Angers (ESSCA), an MBA from the Université de Sherbrooke in Canada, and a PhD in management sciences from the University of Rennes.
Rise to Success
Le Duff's entrepreneurial journey started with a combined restaurant-bakery at a ski resort in Quebec while he was pursuing his MBA. In 1976, he opened the first Brioche Dorée in Brest, France, with a small initial investment. This innovative establishment combined fresh baked goods and casual dining, rapidly gaining popularity.
Key Business Strategies
Under Le Duff's leadership, Brioche Dorée grew exponentially, and he expanded into Groupe Le Duff, which encompasses various successful restaurant chains, including La Madeleine and Del Arte. He acquired Bruegger's bagels chain, expanding his presence in the U.S. food market. Groupe Le Duff has consistently doubled its industrial operations every four years. As of 2025, the group's revenue is forecasted to be €3.5 billion.
Philanthropy
Louis Le Duff is also the founder of the Louis LE DUFF Endowment Fund, which is dedicated to health, good nutrition, and the global promotion of French culinary craftsmanship.