Two well-known community leaders have expanded their network of businesses with the purchase of four Schlotzsky’s restaurants in the area.
Sam and Lily Halabi have made a place in their busy schedules to take on existing locations in Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton and Temple. Usually purchased as franchises, the Halabis found the opportunity to secure the delicatessin-style restaurants through a network of business associates.
“The former owner has several Schlotzsky’s restaurants,” Lily Halabi said. “But these four locations were a little far from his home base in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.” So the Halabis invested in the venture and are very glad they did.
The acquisition wasn’t without it’s challenges, the couple said.
Before corporate officials would let the Halabis sign the final purchase paperwork, they were required to go through a series of “training” courses.
“Corporate leaders want to make sure that every person at the top of the chain, has a good working knowledge of how the business is run,” Lily said. “So, I made the trip six days a week for four weeks to the training facility in Austin.”
Lily said the training was very eye-opening.
“They have procedures and systems in place for every last detail of the business,” she said. “There are manuals full of information on how to do tasks, step by step, so everything is consistent.”
Schlotzsky’s is known for fresh deli soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza and other meal items that require bread to be baked fresh everyday and vegetables and meats to be sliced daily.
“Oh, and the Cinnabon rolls,” Lily said, “are out of this world.” She tried hard to minimize the sampling during her training, but her favorite treats were the cinnamon rolls.
Since the locations of the restaurants purchased by the Halabi’s are already open for business, Lily discussed some changes she and Sam were looking forward to making since the Apr. 1 purchase.
“Customer service is the most important thing,” Lily said, “After good food, of course. And, a clean well-appointed space for people to gather for a meal.”
The couple want anyone who visits one of their Schlotzsky’s locations to feel welcome and enjoy their experience.
“Whether it’s a drive-through order, a pick-up, or a dine-in meal, I want our customers to know that their business is appreciated,” Lily said. “And, that we will do our best to see that everything is prepared correctly and to their liking.”
This business philosophy is partly from the corporate manual, but mostly from the Halabis’ experience in the restaurant and food preparation business.
Lily is the owner of Lily’s Cakes in Harker Heights and has made several appearances on the television baking contest circuit. Lily won “Cake Wars” in 2017, “Holiday Wars” in 2018, plus appearing in “Cake Wars Champs,” “The Winner Takes All,” and in 2021 on “Halloween Wars.” She was also selected as one of 50 judges nationwide for the “Buddy vs. Duff” contest, a major cake competition between the titans of baking.
Sam Halabi, who currently sits on the Harker Heights City Council, enjoys the restaurant and food business as well. He was part owner of Papa’s Cafe in Harker Heights when, after 12 years, he sold his shares and now his brother runs the restaurant that “specializes in old-fashioned country cooking.”
Nine years ago the couple went to a beautiful country hacienda in Belton for their wedding anniversary. During their stay, Sam asked Lily if she would like a new ring or a new business venture.
Shortly afterward, the couple purchased La Rio Mansion in Belton, a beautiful wedding venue in a country setting.
Another acquisition of the Halabis is The Acropolis restaurant in Harker Heights. Serving from a Medeterranean, Greek menu, the dishes are authentic and presented with the same attention to detail the Halabis bring to every venture.
“Whether it’s fine dining or a meal at Schlotzsky’s, it is important for us to do our best,” Lily said.
To that end, she talked a bit about her priorities for the new fast-food establishments.
Lily said she has a good crew of employees at each of the locations with good customer service as their first priority. Cleanliness and well-stocked areas within each location will be maintained.
And, she said, “It will be the same with our catering services. We will have good food, presented well, by our employees who also have that same attention to detail.”
It seems that whatever business venture the Halabis are part of, they work to ensure it is from the heart.
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