Franchising

Fazoli's inks deals to open in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Dakota

Provided

October 13, 2021

Fazoli's President and CEO Carl Howard said that he's signed four franchise agreements with three new franchisees and one existing partner to open 10 locations throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Dakota. The Lexington, Kentucky-based chain will open locations in major markets including Orlando and south Atlanta, along with Greenville and Wilmington, North Carolina. With the four latest agreements, Fazoli's now sits at 11 franchise signings for 29 locations, according to a company press release.

The brand saw sales success, despite the pandemic, and has kept its foot on the gas with comparable system sales of 20% over the last year. Fazoli's ended its fiscal year in March, with 20 franchise agreements to develop 50 locations, exceeding the most agreements its had signed in a single year in its 33-year history. The brand just opened its ninth location this year and is on track to close out FY22 with 15 openings.

AUVs have never been higher, Howard said, and potential franchisees are taking notice, driving leads up over 45% for the quarter.

"Fazoli's record-breaking sales and one-of-a-kind conversion incentive have been the driving force behind our historical growth," Howard said. "With zero franchise fee and zero royalty fee in year one, our conversion incentive is unmatched. The incredible fact is many of the conversions are being done for under $350,000 and some for under $300,000, and they can be open in 90 days. When you add up our exceptional sales numbers and unmatched conversion strategy, we have a winning growth formula."

Founded in 1988, Fazoli's owns and operates nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states.