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R. Hakim Corp., a multi-unit franchise group with IHOP and La Madeleine locations, has purchased three existing Atlanta-area La Madeleine stores and committed to opening 15 additional locations in Atlanta and North Carolina.
This is the second phase of the bakery brand's refranchising initiative and comes just weeks after La Madeleine announced the purchase of 26 company locations in Houston, Austin, and Louisiana by HZ LM Casual Foods.
The San Antonio-based R. Hakim Corp. has been operating franchises for more than 25 years, and already been with the La Madeleine brand for two years. They currently operate 36 restaurants throughout the United States including three La Madeleine locations in Atlanta and Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. The company has a strong operational record and was recognized as IHOP's "Franchisee of the Year" in 2008.
"Growing up in San Antonio, some of my fondest memories are from frequent visits to La Madeleine with family and friends," said R. Hakim Corp., Vice President Kyle Hakim. "La Madeleine has extraordinary appeal and there is not another eatery that offers the same culinary experience and industry-leading AUVs. With strong operations already in place at our current locations, we are ready to move forward with La Madeleine's expansion throughout North Carolina and the neighborhoods of Atlanta."
La Madeleine President John Cahill said, "As one of our leading franchisee partners, Hakim has proven to be a great advocate of the La Madeleine brand, and we look forward to continuing our relationship. With his knowledge of and experience in the Atlanta and North Carolina markets, we know he will succeed, providing exceptional service to all la Madeleine guests."
La Madeleine will continue to operate corporate bakery-cafes in its home base of Dallas so it can continue to demonstrate operational excellence to support franchisees.