News

I Heart Mac & Cheese sells 2 corporate locations, signs multi-unit Texas deal

May 28, 2019

Florida-based I Heart Mac & Cheese has sold a corporate store, which is under development in Bayside, New York, to a private entity, which last month acquired the company's Patchogue, New York store. It will operate both locations as franchises, according to a press release.  In addition, the group will execute anaggressive expansion plan bringing the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand to all five New York City boroughs.

"The successful sale of our two corporate stores in New York signifies the evolution of our brand and is a major step toward our long-term expansion goals," Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese, CEO and chairman, said in the release. "Our partners in New York are well-positioned and prepared to help execute on our shared vision of bringing I Heart Mac & Cheese to more consumers than ever before, in new areas. We are excited about this relationship and look forward to a bright future ahead for I Heart Mac & Cheese, in New York and beyond."

I Heart Mac & Cheese, which uses no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems, serves build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches and salads. Guests select a pasta, bread, quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower or salad base along with seven proteins, vegetables and cheeses. Gluten-free options are also available.

The Bayside I Heart Mac & Cheese location is slated to open later this month.

The chain has also signed a four-store development agreement with Fidelity Enterprises LLC. The first of two College Station locations is expected to open in  August, followed by Waco, and Lubbock, which are planning Q1 2020 openings. The same group is expected to develop an additional 20 locations throughout Texas.

"This agreement is monumental for the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand and we believe that, in aligning with Fidelity Enterprises LLC, we have the perfect partner and plan for future expansion," Giordanella said in the release.

The Fidelity Enterprises team includes two husband-and-wife duos, Thomas and Megan Doyel and Jerry and Laura Livingston. Driving operations for the group will be restaurant industry veteran Thomas Doyel, who has worked with numerous concepts in central and east Texas, including Raising Cane's and Chipotle.

I Heart Mac & Cheese first opened in 2016, in Fort Lauderdale. South Florida locations include Pembroke Pines, Jupiter, Coral Springs and Boca Raton. Additional locations are slated to open in New York, Florida and Georgia. In 2017, the company launched its franchising program nationwide and has franchisee locations in Florida and New York.