America’s Only Elevated QSR Italian Chain Signs Agreements to Open New Restaurants in Georgia and Arkansas
Fazoli’s, America’s only elevated QSR Italian chain, announced today the signing of two multi-unit development agreements for eight new locations to further expand the brand throughout the states of Georgia and Arkansas, capitalizing on recent momentum and record-breaking performances of grand openings across the country. Furthermore, the company has successfully opened nine new restaurants this year, with the most recent being a conversion of a former Ruby Tuesday’s in Prattville, Alabama. This continued surge in development places the brand on track to achieve its highest number of openings in nearly 10 years.
The two franchise groups mentioned above and their development plans include:
- Lamont Brooks and his partners at Arriba Restaurant Group come to Fazoli’s as veterans in the foodservice industry. Brooks and his partners bring vast experience as current and former multi-unit and multi-concept owners of Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Burger King, Fuddruckers and Quiznos throughout the U.S. and South America. The group plans to open their first of five restaurants in the first half of 2019, targeting Snellville, Gainesville and Peachtree City for development, with further plans to develop the concept in the future.
- Junior Das, Linda Bradley and Andy Patel of Pasta Joint, LLC signed a three-unit deal agreement to further expand the concept throughout Central Arkansas, targeting the Benton, Conway and Searcy areas for development. Local residents of Jonesboro and multi-concept franchise owners, the group has a combined 25+ years of foodservice and hospitality experience, and currently own and operate restaurants throughout the area. The group’s impressive portfolio includes Dairy Queen, Smoothie King, Schlotzsky’s, Perkins and Uncle Maddio’s Pizza. The new franchisees plan to open their first of three locations in 2019, with continued development efforts over the course of the next few years.
Fazoli’s continues to offer strong unit level sales, attractive food costs and compelling restaurant cash flow, and in doing so, the system’s franchisees were able to set an impressive 11 sales records in the second quarter of 2018. To further this momentum, the brand continues to seek like-minded and experienced multi-unit operators to develop and grow the company by offering aggressive development incentives. The newly rolled out incentive program was designed to appeal to sophisticated multi-unit operators who are looking to grow their QSR portfolio with a strong Italian QSR brand that fits in nicely with their other concepts, as seen with the Arriba Restaurant and Pasta Joint Groups. Elements of the incentive offering include royalty and initial fee discounts, as well as matched marketing contributions.
“We are thrilled and honored to be welcoming these two established and experienced groups into our Fazoli’s family,” said Carl Howard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fazoli’s. “Attracting this level of talent to the brand, now in our 30th year, speaks volumes to the momentum and trajectory of the company. With the brands revitalization efforts in full swing, from menu innovations to remodel openings and the continued integration of technology, we look forward to providing our guests with high quality food at a great value, in more locations across the country every year.”
To assist with the influx in growth and development, Fazoli’s has welcomed franchise and foodservice veteran, Kathy Davidson to the team to fulfill the role as Senior Director of Franchise Sales. Davidson will be responsible for initiating and driving franchise sales efforts in the South and Midwest. Previously, Davidson led development efforts both at Cowboy Chicken and Church’s Chicken.
With nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, Fazoli’s is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join its growing, successful franchise network and is targeting new markets across the U.S. For more information about franchise opportunities, contact Jeff Sturgis, chief development officer, at 859.825.6212 or jeff.sturgis@fazolis.com.
With approximately 220 restaurants in 27 states, Fazoli’s is America’s largest Italian elevated QSR chain, serving freshly prepared pasta entrees, Submarinos sandwiches, salads and pizza. One of Franchise Business Review’s top ranked franchises in franchisee satisfaction and a FastCasual.com Brand of the Year, Fazoli’s franchisees are experiencing record sales growth. Visit www.ownafazolis.com for details on development opportunities.
