Fazoli’s is set to bring more of its Italian dishes to North Carolina.

Fazoli’s president and CEO Carl Howard announced that the company has executed an area development agreement with franchisee Jeff Milliken to bring one restaurant to Shallotte, North Carolina, and one to Jacksonville, North Carolina, with the first slated to open in spring of 2020.

Milliken, a Shallotte resident, has been in the food service business most of his life, and he wants to bring his expertise in the industry to his hometown. After spending nearly a year researching Fazoli’s, Milliken decided it was time to meet with other franchisees who are part of the iconic brand.

“I went down to Georgia to speak with some Fazoli’s franchisees and was impressed by how highly they each spoke of their experience,” Milliken says. “I learned that Fazoli’s is truly a family, and the leadership team always supports its franchisees. They are all in to help us succeed. I knew immediately, after that first meeting, that this team wants us to be successful, and that was so encouraging for me.”

Milliken adds Fazoli’s, as a fast-casual Italian chain with elevated service and premium, craveable dishes, is a leader in the industry and is sure to find success in the communities it will expand into.

“Fazoli’s is at the forefront of the fast-casual Italian category,” Milliken says. “The brand serves fresh, indulgent food quickly and with excellent tableside service. Plus, nothing, of course, is better than the unlimited breadsticks. The community is going to love Fazoli’s. It will quickly become a favorite.”

For others looking to join the Fazoli’s family as a franchisee, the brand is seeking multi-unit operators across the U.S. to join its growing, successful franchise network.