I Heart Mac & Cheese announced a two-store franchise development agreement with Vikram Bir to bring the brand to New Jersey. The first location will open next year, with the second following in 2021, in Hoboken and Jersey City, respectively.
“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 bring our popular concept into the state of New Jersey.”
Vikram Bir will manage and oversee operations for both I Heart Mac & Cheese locations. No stranger to the franchise industry, Bir currently owns and operates two 7-11 franchises in Hamburg and Sparta. He was attracted to I Heart Mac & Cheese since the menu features two of America’s favorite foods – macaroni & cheese and grilled cheese – and loved the proven franchise business model.
“I’m excited to expand and diversify my franchise portfolio with the addition of my two I Heart Mac & Cheese locations in New Jersey,” says Bir. “I really love the support system that the franchising industry offers, and I’ve always had a strong desire to open a restaurant concept. I’m proud to launch the brand as they continue to expand across the country.”
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. Most recently, the brand unveiled a new vegan menu featuring plant-based options through an official partnership that was launched with Beyond Meat. 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. Guests can pair their 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.
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. Several other locations have recently been announced, with upcoming openings in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New York and Texas.
