America’s Largest Fast Casual Italian Chain Reaches New Heights with 13 Consecutive Quarters of Positive Same-Stores Sales and a 5.1 Percent Sales Increase in July
Fazoli’s, America’s largest fast casual Italian chain, today announced it experienced a record-breaking month in July with the signing of nine multi-unit and single-unit franchise agreements to develop 22 new restaurants nationwide. As part of the agreements, Fazoli’s will develop new restaurants in cities, including Dothan, Alabama; Snellville, Georgia; Southern California; and Hazard, Kentucky; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Memphis, Tennessee; McAllen, Texas; Chicago and Central Indiana.
“It’s been a solid year of growth for Fazoli’s, and we’re continuing to see strong interest from entrepreneurs who want to capitalize on the brand’s record momentum,” said Carl Howard, president and chief executive officer of Fazoli’s. “We’ve made several changes to further position Fazoli’s for future success, including new delivery and catering options, as well as an upgraded menu with premium ingredients to meet the growing consumer demand for high quality, innovative menu items. We have no doubt that we’ll surpass our projected goals by the end of the year.”
This announcement comes on the heels of significant growth for Fazoli’s, including 13 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth – with franchisees boasting a 5.1 percent year-over-year same-store sales increase in July. In addition, Fazoli’s franchisees are experiencing nearly three times the industry average growth rate, with new franchised restaurants setting company-wide records. In fact, the Macon, Georgia restaurant, owned by franchisee Allen Peake, celebrated a record-breaking grand opening week with more than $80,000 in sales. In addition to Macon, Georgia, the company opened a franchised restaurant Montgomery, Alabama earlier this year, with plans to open an additional four locations by the end of 2016.
“Now is the perfect time to be franchising with Fazoli’s,” said Allen Peake, Fazoli’s franchisee in Macon, Georgia. “Having been a former franchisee back in the 1990’s, I was eager to come back under Carl’s leadership. The company is on an upward path, which is evident in the immediate success we experienced in Macon; the community’s response to first learning about Fazoli’s return had been overwhelmingly positive and they are loving the revitalized brand.”
In 2011, Fazoli’s underwent a major brand overhaul with the introduction of real plateware and silverware in lieu of foam plates and plastic cutlery. As part of the brand refresh, earlier this year, Fazoli’s began remodeling some of its locations with a new, contemporary look and feel. In addition, the company introduced an upgraded menu using premium ingredients, which has been well received by guests. This, coupled with the company’s strong performance, continues to drive its expansion. To further catapult the brand’s development nationwide, Fazoli’s is targeting new markets for expansion including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Knoxville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and several other cities.
With nearly 220 restaurants in 24 states, Fazoli’s is America’s largest Italian fast-casual chain, serving freshly prepared entrees, Submarinos sandwiches, salads and pizza. Fazoli’s franchisees are experiencing record sales growth, and the company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join the brand’s rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities, connect with Fazoli’s online at www.fazolis.com, www.ownafazolis.com, @Fazolis, and https://www.facebook.com/Fazolis.
