Company: Chez Madlen
Founder: Marie Bockstaller
Date Founded: August 25, 2025 / Store Pre-Opening: December 19, 2025 / Official Opening: January 2, 2026

What drives you? What is your motto?
Passion is my compass, courage my driving force.

What is your business about, and what makes it special?
Chez Madlen is a curated culinary experience with a new theme each month. We focus on a different French region each time, so guests are constantly discovering new specialties—from bistro dishes served on-site to delicacies in jars to take home. We combine French tradition with a modern, warm atmosphere and make quality accessible.

What are your first successes?
My greatest joy comes from regular customers who connect with our vision and visit several times a week. Additionally, building my exceptional team, including our management, has been a huge success. Our event at the Institut français with our winemaker from Alsace was also an unforgettable milestone.

What is your professional background? I
originally studied psychology and neuroscience. Afterward, I worked as a manager at Kochhaus and as COO and CPO at several startups, eventually founding my first company. At the same time, I completed an apprenticeship as a pastry chef—strategy and craftsmanship have shaped my path.

What was the catalyst for you to start your own business? For a long
time, I built companies for others—strategically, structurally, with full commitment. At some point, it became clear to me: If I’m going to take risks and assume responsibility, then it should be for a vision that is truly my own. The desire to combine craftsmanship, quality, and entrepreneurial freedom was the turning point. No longer just optimizing—but shaping things myself.

Who has advised you, and who are your supporters and mentors?
I receive professional advice from Schuler Gastronomie, and the Wiesbaden Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) supports me with startup and financing questions. I get inspiration from initiatives like career paths for women and events at Heimathafen. I also find entrepreneurial exchange online, including through Kemal Üres. My family supports the venture emotionally.

How did you experience your first days as a founder?
In the first few days after opening, I barely realized what was actually happening. Between euphoria and responsibility, there was little room for grand emotions. To this day, there are moments when I think: Is this really my own business right now?

What was your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was keeping the renovation within budget—while also coming to terms with how many decisions and responsibilities suddenly fell on my shoulders. “Self-employed” really meant being on my own and constantly busy at first. I learned to prioritize strictly, manage budgets transparently, and seek out specific expertise when needed.

How do you draw attention to your business? What’s your best marketing idea?

Timing and visibility were major factors: We generated attention with a banner even during the renovation. I consistently took advantage of press inquiries, which led to multiple appearances in newspapers and on TV. In addition, I rely on Instagram Ads, our own flyers, and strong word-of-mouth promotion.

How did you finance the launch of your business?
I financed the launch entirely with my own funds and also took out a KfW loan through the Bürgschaftsbank to cover investments and the renovation.

What dream do you still want to realize?
I’m constantly asked whether Chez Madlen is a franchise. These inquiries make me dream big and motivate me to actually build a franchise one day—so that our vision of French experiential dining can grow even further.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would...
If I had more time, I would already be further along in realizing my vision for Chez Madlen and our offerings—but I’ve learned that some things just need time to mature.

What’s your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?
Have courage, a little bit of craziness, get help, but stay true to yourself—in the end, only you can walk your own path.