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 its latest franchisee agreement which will bring the rapidly expanding brand into the New Mexico market. This will be the first restaurant for the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand in the state.

 “We wanted to bring a fast-casual restaurant to the area that would let us take out our four children, all under the age of 11, to enjoy a great meal in a fun, relaxed environment,” said franchisee Autumn Santangelo. She also shared that she chose to invest in an I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise as a way to diversify her investment portfolio while serving the community of Farmington and its surrounding areas, a community she is proud to be a part of. 

With plans of opening early 2021, and sights set on breaking ground in the Eastside area of Farmington, Santangelo is confident that I Heart Mac & Cheese is an ideal recipe for success. The brand is quickly developing a national footprint with additional locations planned in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas.

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.

“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,” said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and chairman. “We are thrilled to continue growing our brand with partners that share our same beliefs and value our innovative concept, food quality and diverse menu.”