News

Fazoli's adding Florida units

October 8, 2019

Lexington, Kentucky-based Fazoli's is adding three units in Florida via an area development agreement with Matt Clift of CliftClem Holding. The first unit will open in fall of 2020, according to a company press release.

"We couldn't believe there wasn't a Fazoli's here," Clift said, referring to Florida, where he moved after living in Kentucky for 35 years. "Our family loves Fazoli's and whenever we go back to Kentucky, we always find a way to eat lunch there. We've been going to Fazoli's for 30 years and remember when they first opened. We believe in the brand's staying power."

Clift said he thinks the Fazoli's concept is evolving, and the brand has done an excellent job transforming the restaurant, especially with the recent brand refresh, to highlight Fazoli's commitment to quality and unmatched service.

"I like the vision and strategy around staying true to the consumer needs and providing numerous ways for guests to order some of their Fazoli's favorites from delivery to carry out," Clift said. "By opening Fazoli's, we're building a family legacy with a solid franchise that we can grow. Derrick Clemmons, my son in-law, will be the franchise operator, and we can't wait for this to become a family affair. Family is important to me. We all love the concept, including our young grandkids. It's something our family will treasure for years to come."

Fazoli's is seeking multi-unit operators across the U.S. to join its franchise network and has an incentive program offering a guaranteed savings of at least $125,000 for franchisees developing at least three locations. Franchisees developing more than five locations will save over $200,000, CEO Carl Howard said in the release.

"We think this is the perfect opportunity to expand into central Florida and show the area what Fazoli's is all about," he said. "Matt has been a loyal Fazoli's fan from day one, so he knows firsthand our commitment to innovation and excellence. Matt joining the Fazoli's family as a franchisee is sure to make our brand even stronger than it was before."

Founded in 1988, in Lexington, Kentucky, Fazoli's owns and operates nearly 220 restaurants in 28 states.