News

I Heart Mac & Cheese to open with a splash in California

February 26, 2020

I Heart Mac & Cheese will debut in California in big style after signing a four-store franchise development deal with Jason Mejia.

The first store will open in the Greater Los Angeles area, near UCLA, in November. The three other locations will be Westwood, Claremont and Fullerton, according to a press release.

"I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fun, attractive concept and an affordable franchise model that is easy to operate, with support systems in place to help our partners be successful," Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and chairman, said in the release. "We are thrilled to introduce our popular concept to the state of California. With four million residents and 50 million tourists to the City of Angels annually, we knew this was a great destination for celebrities, families and visitors to enjoy to everyone's favorite childhood dishes."

A California native, Mejia will manage and oversee operations for each I Heart Mac & Cheese restaurant.

"I’m excited to open four I Heart Mac & Cheese locations and help the brand make their West Coast expansion a reality in the heart of the Los Angeles community," Mejia said in the release. "As soon as I met the I Heart Mac & Cheese leadership team, I knew it was the right entrepreneurial opportunity to help my dreams of becoming a franchisee a reality. My family and I cannot wait to welcome our guests and tourists from near and far, to a concept that offers dishes that are reminiscent of their favorite childhood memories."