Lexington, KY – With 11 straight months of record-breaking sales under its belt, Fazoli’s is continuing its winning streak by adding a new franchise development milestone to its impressive list of recent achievements.
Fazoli’s CEO Carl Howard announced today that the company has signed 11 area development agreements in Q1 alone. Through this record-setting accomplishment, the iconic Italian brand added 36 new locations to its pipeline throughout California, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. During Fazoli’s fiscal year, which just ended, the brand signed a record-setting 20 new franchise agreements to develop 50 locations. This number surpasses the most agreements the brand has signed in a single year in its 33-year history. Additionally, over the last seven months, Fazoli’s has hosted 19 Discovery Days for prospective franchisees to meet with its leadership team and learn more about becoming an operator for the brand. The brand is poised to continue its historic growth.
“To say we came out of the gate strong in Q1 would be an understatement,” Howard said. “Our team has been focused on our aggressive growth strategy and capitalizing on opportunities to add new franchisees to the Fazoli’s Family. On the heels of our most successful year in brand history, and with Q1 sales following this monumental trend, new and existing franchisees across the country are certainly noticing that Fazoli’s is an industry leader with a strong future.”
Fazoli’s franchise agreements in Q1 were fueled, in large part, by the brand’s unrivaled conversion strategy. Since June, the brand has been maximizing development through its 2020 Franchise Incentive Program, which encourages challenged quick-service or fast-casual restaurant operators to convert their existing shells into a Fazoli’s. With the conversion incentive, franchisees can sign a short five-year term, versus the typical 15-year commitment, with zero down payment, zero franchise fees and zero royalty fees in the first year. Fazoli’s also relaxed many of its conversion requirements so operators can get a 2,000- to 3,500-square-foot restaurant open for under $350,000.
New and current franchisees are taking advantage of the conversion opportunity. Fazoli’s kicked off 2021 with three grand openings in Clermont, Florida; Statesboro, Georgia; and Sioux City, Iowa. Two of the three new locations were conversions. The brand has 11 conversions targeted for the new fiscal year, with even more on the horizon. For the remainder of 2021, Fazoli’s is on track for a record-breaking number of openings with 10 to 15 new locations expected to open during the calendar year.
In other news, New Jersey Independent Contractors About to Get Pinched Out Under New Employment Law.
“There has never been a better time to join the Fazoli’s Franchise Family,” Howard said. “What we’re doing on the development side is clearly working. With our aggressive conversion strategy that offers compelling incentives, Fazoli’s franchise interest is undoubtedly at an all-time high. Couple our unmatched conversion strategy with 11 months of double-digit month-over-month sales, and you get a best-in-class brand with staying power.”
Source: Restaurant News Release
More food and dining news
- Bao Kosher Chinese Restaurant Planned for Jackson Crossing Space Long Occupied by Koto Sushi and HibachiJackson, NJ — A longtime Jackson Township restaurant location known for years as the home of Koto Sushi and Hibachi is preparing for a major transformation, with a new sit-down Chinese restaurant called Bao expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. The upcoming restaurant will take over the space next to Kalamata and
- New Jersey Wants to Boost Booze Made From Jersey Fresh, Home Grown Agricultural IngredientsTRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would officially expand the state’s well-known “Jersey Fresh” marketing program to include beer, wine, cider, and liquor produced from New Jersey-grown agricultural products. Assembly Bill 2762, approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with amendments earlier this month, would direct the New Jersey
- McDonald’s to Remove Self-Serve Soda Fountains by 2032, Ending Free Refills at Most LocationsTOMS RIVER, NJ — This isn’t just a national trend, but your favorite local McDonald’s here in New Jersey will follow suit. McDonald’s plans to eliminate self-serve soda stations in all U.S. restaurants by 2032, a major shift that will change how customers order drinks and largely end free refills. The move, already underway in
- New Jersey Diners Are In Decline, But State Lawmakers Say There’s A Plan To Save ThemTrenton, NJ — A new bill backed by South Jersey lawmakers would slash taxes for long-standing diners and restaurants, offering financial relief to businesses that have operated for at least 25 years as the state’s iconic diner industry continues to shrink. The proposal, identified as S2165 (with related versions A6283 and S4954), targets rising costs
- New Jersey SNAP Benefit Changes Promote Healthier Diets, Expand Workforce ParticipationTRENTON, NJ — New Jersey SNAP recipients will see updated rules in 2026 designed to encourage healthier food choices and stronger workforce participation, as federal guidelines and state-level policies reshape how benefits are used and maintained. The changes focus on limiting purchases of low-nutrition items while expanding work requirements for certain adults, signaling a shift
Here’s another story, New Jersey MVC Recalls ‘FDT-8647’ License Plate After Anti-Trump Message Draws Complaints.