This fast-casual joint serves up different versions of the classic dish.
Boca Raton-based I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual cheese bar, will open its fifth South Florida location on June 18 in Boca Raton. The new venue is located at 141 NW 20th St. in Boca Raton at The Shops at University Park.
The first restaurant opened in 2016 in Fort Lauderdale at 1489 SE 17th St. The company has additional locations in Coral Springs, Parkland and Pembroke Pines. Two additional locations are slated to open in summer 2018 in Davie, FL, and Jupiter, FL.
The new location will serve as a franchisee training location. I Heart Mac & Cheese recently opened its first franchise location in Yukon, OK. Additional franchise locations are slated to open in Queens, NY, and Long Island, NY, in the near future.
“There is definitely a growing consumer demand in the local communities. You can’t help but love the I Heart Mac & Cheese menu, with its unconventional choices and variations,” said Dan Collins, president/chief development officer. “We love the location in The Shops at University Park. In fact, we have been hiring students from Florida Atlantic University (FAU).”
The family-friendly restaurant specializes in custom, build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, and offers a catering division. Diners choose from a variety of pasta or bread, including gluten-free, along with seven different types of cheeses, vegetables, and seven proteins — think meatballs, bacon, ground beef, short ribs and crispy chicken.
There is also a signature menu featuring options such as The Cuban with mojo marinated pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese and dill pickles; The Best of Both Worlds, a baked mac and cheese sandwich with slow-cooked short rib, white cheddar cheese and American cheese finished with BBQ Sauce; and Lobster & White Truffle consisting of Maine lobster, muenster cheese and scallions finished with lobster cream and white truffle oil.
Also, on the menu: salads, cheesecake in a cup and mini chocolate chip cookies.
“We are thrilled to be opening up our fifth location in the town we have our headquarters,” said Stephen Giordanella, CEO and chairman. “Bringing our twist on the old pastime mac and cheese has really been a labor of love.”
For more information on franchise opportunities, visit iheartmacandcheese.com/franchise/ or email Dan Collins at Dan@iheartmacandcheese.com.
I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and salads. The menu combines award- winning recipes resulting in a grown-up approach to this classic childhood dish. The first location opened in 2016 in Fort Lauderdale. Additional South Florida locations include Parkland, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Boca Raton. As of fourth quarter 2017, the company launched its franchising program nationwide.
