I Heart Mac & Cheese announced the sale of its Coral Springs, Florida, corporate store to franchise group JJM3’s Companies. The group took ownership of the restaurant effective July 14, which is now the second franchisee-operated location in Florida.
“The successful sale of our corporate store in Coral Springs is a continuation of our brand’s expansion, with plans to grow to 100 franchises by the end of the year,” says Stephen Giordanella, CEO and chairman of I Heart Mac & Cheese. “With JJM3’s Companies at the helm, we know that the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand will continue to flourish in the South Florida community, and we look forward to a long, successful relationship with our new owners in Coral Springs.”
JJM3’s Companies is led by Parkland resident Vicki Whittaker, who will assume operations of the existing location, which opened in February 2018. Whittaker, a mother of three looking for her next career opportunity, was attracted to the brand through her husband, who works in the brand’s corporate office as the director of franchise development. For more than 15 years, she worked in the accounting division of General Motors, in her home state of Georgia, before relocating to South Florida.
“I’m excited to join the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand and continue spreading word about this incredible concept throughout Western Broward County,” adds Whittaker. “I’m personally passionate about providing healthy options to my growing family, and I love that this restaurant offers more than macaroni and cheese – with base options such as quinoa, broccoli and cauliflower – giving parents an alternative when dining out with their children who love our classic comfort food favorites.”
I Heart Mac & Cheese is well-known for custom, build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Guests select a pasta, bread, quinoa, broccoli or cauliflower base along with seven different proteins, vegetables, and cheeses. Gluten-free options are also available. Sesame ginger, mango habanero, buffalo, BBQ, and pesto are a few of the delicious dressings and sauces available to mix in or top off each creation. In addition to customized options, the menu includes specialty chef special items like Baked Chicken Parmesan, Baked Meatball Parmesan, The Cuban, Pepperoni Pizza, and Lobster & White Truffle Mac, among others. Pair your meal with the perfect side of Tomato Soup and finish it with a selection of desserts such as Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies and Marshmallow Treats
Earlier this month, I Heart Mac & Cheese introduced their newest menu item, Mac Bites, which are bite-size macaroni and cheese bites with options like Bacon Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken, The Cuban, Lobster and Classic.
A unique franchise concept in the restaurant industry with no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems, I Heart Mac & Cheese requires a low investment and can be opened in a small space, such as a mall kiosk or food court. Shopping malls, sports venues, areas close to colleges and universities, and high-traffic pedestrian areas are also ideal locations. With a home office in South Florida, I Heart Mac & Cheese offers franchise owner training, marketing support and ongoing development opportunities to ensure each location’s success. Earlier this year, I Heart Mac & Cheese was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities in 2019.
Last month, I Heart Mac & Cheese opened their newest location in Bayside, New York. Several other restaurants have recently been announced as well, with upcoming openings in other areas of Florida, as well as Georgia, New York and Texas.
