News

Fazoli’s grows travel center portfolio

June 12, 2014

Fazoli’s announced it has opened three new restaurants, with eight more set to open this year. The new restaurants are located in Dubuque, Iowa; Glenwood Springs, Colo.; and Whitehouse, Texas. All three are operated by new franchisees and are located in travel centers along major interstates.

According to a news release, the growth comes as franchisees, which make up approximately 45 percent of Fazoli’s total units, reported May same-store sales jumped 8.3 percent over last year, adding to a 14-month streak of comp-store sales increases.

Bob Hoseus, a Columbus, Ohio-based franchise owner, said sales are being driven by innovative new promotions such as the Ultimate Pasta Bowls and the “extremely successful” Cheesecake with Nutella.

CEO Carl Howard said new franchisees — especially convenience store and travel center operators — are attracted to the brand because it offers a “compelling alternative to other QSR concepts.”

The next location, operated by the company, is scheduled to open in late August in Dayton, Ohio, followed by franchised restaurants in Elkins, W.Va.; Franklin, Ind.; Parkersburg, W.Va.; Indianapolis; Morehead, Ky.; and Tyler, Texas. In the fall, Fazoli’s will also open its first college campus location, which will be operated by Texas Tech University.