I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, fully customizable Build Your Own Macaroni & Cheese Bowls and Grilled Cheese sandwiches, announced today it has signed a new franchise agreement with Matthew Cain to open its first location in North Carolina.

“I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fun, attractive concept and an affordable franchise model that is easy to operate, with support systems in place to help our partners be successful,” says Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and Chairman. “We are thrilled to continue to grow across the country and launch the flagship location of our popular concept in Gastonia, North Carolina.

In addition to this new location, several other locations have recently been announced, with upcoming openings in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

“I am extremely excited to be part of such an innovative concept and to be able to introduce I Heart Mac & Cheese to my hometown in North Carolina,” adds Matthew Cain. “I have 20+ years of experience in the [quick service] industry, and I am extremely excited to launch our careers in franchise ownership while delivering high quality mac & cheese to the Gastonia/Charlotte area.”

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.