Fazoli’s fast Italian restaurants recognized The Coca-Cola Company as Distinguished Supplier of the Year at its annual Suppliers’ Conference and Franchise Owners’ Meeting recently at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Coca-Cola was honored for its many efforts to support Fazoli’s, including:

— A new menu board design that helped increase combo incidence by almost five points

— A summer sweepstakes that increased 32 oz. beverage purchases by more than two points

— Development of a new Lemon Italian Ice product that simplified operations and increased speed of service

— Making available new Minute Maid Smoothie flavorings for Fazoli’s Italian Ice base

Fazoli’s also honored four other suppliers for their commitment to innovation and quality. Tyson Foods and Newly Weds Foods were given Fazoli’s Innovation Award, while Leprino Foods received the Fazoli’s Quality Assurance Award. The New Supplier of the Year Award went to Wasserstrom.

Carl Howard, Fazoli’s CEO, and Judy Hollis, Fazoli’s vice president of supply chain, quality assurance, and research & development, presented the awards. “As we prepare to enter our 20th year, it is especially important that we recognize the many contributions our vendors make to our brand,” Howard said. “With the help of our vendors, Fazoli’s has earned a reputation for high-quality food and beverages, and we look forward to these and other vendors playing a key role in our next stage of growth.”

“It’s great to have your hard work recognized, especially when your work is on behalf of a great restaurant organization like Fazoli’s,” says Susan Gambardella, central region vice president for Coca-Cola FoodService.