Fazoli’s is off to a running start in 2012 with record same-store sales growth in January.
Company units posted a 12.1 percent year-over-year increase, with franchisees reporting a 9.9 percent jump. It was Fazoli’s best January sales growth in its history, according to the company.
The increase marks month 19 of consecutive same-store sales improvement for franchised restaurants and month 18 of continuous improvement for company locations. It follows the brand’s best quarter since 1999.
"If we can have the results we’re having in a down economy, we’re excited about what can happen when the economy really gets rolling,” said Rob Hearden, president of the Fazoli’s Franchise Association and operator of three units in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. “We are a very good value and a good fit right now,”
Acknowledging that this year’s mild winter weather may deserve some credit for the good sales, Hearden said January’s performance is part of a long upward trend that he expects will continue year-round.
About 20 percent of franchisees have completed remodeling to a more contemporary design and have added service upgrades that include delivering meals to the dining room. The remainder of the franchised units should have their conversions completed by the end of 2012, Hearden said.
Fazoli’s expects to open several new company and franchised restaurants this year, including its first travel center, set to open this spring in Fairmont, W. Va.
Read more about operations management.
