Franchising

I Heart Mac & Cheese opens 1st Illinois location

Provided

April 1, 2022

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast casual specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, has opened a location in Schaumburg, Illinois, its first in the state, according to a press release.

Located inside the Woodfield Mall, the restaurant opened March 30. It is also the brand's first restaurant located inside a mall.

"I'm extremely excited to bring this new concept to the Chicago area," franchisee Dennis Sommo said in the release. "We never seen this type of concept before and after speaking with I Heart Mac and Cheese's executive chef Michael Bloom, his passion for food drove us to move forward into bringing an IHMC into our community."

Serving quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, gluten-free pasta, plant-based protein, and dairy-free alternatives, as well as traditional mac and cheese and sandwich options, South Florida-based I Heart Mac & Cheese continues to expand across the U.S.

The location will feature combinations like Baked Chicken Parmesan, Baked Meatball Parmesan, Tacoroni (Mac & Cheese Tacos). The Cuban, Pepperoni Pizza, and Lobster & White Truffle Mac, among others. The location will have themed weekly programming, including "Kids Eat Free" Monday nights.

Founded in 2019 by CEO and Chairman Steve Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese has more than 20 locations and is set to open more than 75 in 2022.