After one McDonald's restaurant in a rough Marseille neighborhood closed its doors, former employees took charge, transforming the fast food joint into a community center.
00:00This establishment is more than just a restaurant.
00:06It serves as a fast food outlet, a social aid platform, a place of community and a food bank.
00:12And this is the man who leads the charge, Kamel Guaymari.
00:16The money earned in this restaurant is used to redistribute food parcels to people in need with empty refrigerators.
00:23Kamel Guaymari, born and raised in the area,
00:28is one of the key figures who spearheaded the transformation of a closed McDonald's in the north of Marseille.
00:36He helped turn it into a community-focused establishment.
00:43The project was born out of solidarity to provide food and social support to the local community.
00:49Around 40 people work here in training programs aimed at helping them build skills and establish a career.
00:57I think La Pre-M is a chance for everyone.
01:09You feel at home here.
01:11It has a comfortable, familiar atmosphere.
01:17La Pre-M is located in one of the poorest and most dangerous districts of Marseille where drugs, gangs and homelessness are prevalent.
01:27Kamel himself was also once homeless here.
01:32But his job at the former McDonald's gave him the direction he needed.
01:37He wants to pass his success on.
01:39But without state subsidies, this project wouldn't be possible.
01:43Starting from scratch, we opened the restaurant with just our courage.
01:50We received a state subsidy to help get the restaurant off the ground.
01:5430% of the costs were covered by the state.
01:57However, maintaining the business has been increasingly challenging for us, especially as prices continue to rise and we still seek support.
02:04La Pre-M is not just a fast food restaurant.
02:1185% of the restaurant's profits are reinvested into food distribution for the needy.
02:17Every Monday morning, before the restaurant opens, food bags are prepared for delivery.
02:23The concept of the restaurant is to distribute free food parcels to people who have empty refrigerators.
02:33And for us, it is out of the question that anyone, especially children, should go to school on an empty stomach.
02:42Back outside, Kamel explains that the current sign's letters were rearranged from the original McDonald's sign.
02:49La Pre-M, which stands for the Association for the Planning of an Economic Social Restaurant, means to us, after the misery.
03:00The sign has been designated a work of art. Kamel says he's not afraid of pushback from the McDonald's Corporation.
03:07We have nothing to lose because we are here trying to give meaning to our lives, trying to raise awareness in everyone who might be willing to share their wealth.
03:18In terms of the food, though, how does La Pre-M differ from other fast food restaurants?
03:24Well, for one, the OVNI burger, or UFO, was created by Michelin star chef Gerard Pesada.
03:31And all of the produce is locally sourced.
03:36Meanwhile, to support the restaurant, celebrities from Marseille are now involved.
03:43Events often take place with performances by well-known rappers, hip-hop artists, actors, and stand-up comedians.
03:54Training the restaurant's workers is key. So what does the future hold for La Pre-M?
03:59We wish to create a social franchise, a reciprocal social franchise, that can be established in difficult areas in order to provide jobs.
04:11And in turn, to help the local community with the money earned.
04:16It's a glimmer of hope for the residents of this part of the city.
