Atlanta-based NRD Holdings, LLC, one of the country’s largest operators and developers of franchised quick service restaurants, recently purchased 23 Domino’s Pizza units — 17 in Jacksonville and six in Orlando. With this acquisition, the company is now among the top 25 largest Domino’s franchisees in the United States. The Domino’s acquisition is the company’s first foray into the Florida market and adds to NRD’s existing multi-brand stable of restaurants, which also includes Popeyes® in Atlanta and Checkers/Rally’s® restaurants in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Atlanta.
The 23 NRD Domino’s restaurants will employ approximately 17 people per unit; a total of 400 for both Jacksonville and Orlando. With this acquisition, NRD now employs a total of 1,200 people throughout their portfolio of brands.
“NRD’s goal is to maintain our positioning as a top franchisee through superior operations, exceptional portfolio management and intelligent risk management. We define our business strategy as growing through both acquisition and development, as well as aligning ourselves with only the top brands in the industry,” said Aziz Hashim, NRD’s president and CEO. “In this case, we selected Domino’s due to their brand equity and recognition within the industry.”
“We’re thrilled to have Aziz as part of the Domino’s franchise system,” said Scott Hinshaw, Domino’s Pizza executive vice president of franchise operations and development. “His incredible track record of success, outstanding leadership and commitment to his diverse portfolio of brands make him the best of the best in the franchising industry.”
According to Wendy Harkness, NRD chief talent officer and chief legal officer and a 20-year restaurant veteran, the growth strategy is completely in sync with retaining brand specific leadership for each of its portfolio holdings. “In keeping with this strategy, NRD has hired Domino’s veteran Cesar Verde as Division Vice President to manage the Domino’s portfolio. Verde has more than 20 years’ experience with Domino’s and was twice named Domino’s “Operator of the Year.”
Founded in 1996 and based in Atlanta, NRD Holdings, LLC (NRD), operates restaurant locations in Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and California and operates a variety of high-profile brands including Popeyes, Checkers/Rally’s and now 23 Domino’s. Aziz Hashim, NRD president and CEO, is a well-respected within the franchise industry and serves on several boards including the Franchisee Forum with the International Franchise Association. Frequently quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, QSR Magazine, among other reputable publications, Mr. Hashim was named the National Restaurant Association’s “Franchisee of the Year,” honored with Checkers/Rally’s “Brand Ambassador” award, and Popeyes “Emerging Leader” award in 2010.