Fazoli’s announced the signing of a franchise agreement to develop a restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. The news comes on the heels of another month of strong sales results for the brand’s franchise restaurants. The Lexington, Kentucky-based company reported a 5.1 percent same-store sales increase for its franchised locations in November.
“We are thrilled to expand Fazoli’s presence in Alabama, which represents a key state for our brand’s overall growth and development,” says Carl Howard, president and chief executive officer of Fazoli’s. “With 14 consecutive quarters of same-store sales results, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of the Fazoli’s brand. Our franchise restaurants are consistently delivering solid sales results and we anticipate another strong year in fiscal 2017.”
As part of this development, Nareshkumar and Jaimin Patel of Mahant, Inc. will open their first restaurant in Huntsville. The father-and-son team also own and operate two Dairy Queen locations in the state with plans to develop additional Fazoli’s locations in the area over the next few years.
“We are thrilled to join the Fazoli’s family and bring its variety of craveable menu items to the Huntsville community,” says Jaimin. “What attracted us to Fazoli’s was not only its menu of high-quality, made-to-order entrées, but also the long-term viability of its business model. We are excited to bring Fazoli’s back to Huntsville and look forward to serving local residents for many years to come.”
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 national expansion. To further catapult the brand’s development across the country, Fazoli’s is targeting new markets including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Knoxville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and several other cities.
With nearly 220 restaurants in 25 states, Fazoli’s is America’s largest Italian fast casual chain, serving freshly prepared classic Italian entrées, 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.
