LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 19, 2018) — Lexington-based Fazoli’s had its most successful grand opening of a new restaurant in Hazard, Ky., breaking the $100,000 weekly sales barrier, which set a new record for the brand. Additionally, the Italian food restaurant chain announced 12 franchise sales records during the first quarter of 2018, with plans to open up to seven additional locations.
“We are pleased to report Fazoli’s continued success for the first quarter of 2018,” said Carl Howard, president and chief executive officer of Fazoli’s. “The key to our company’s success has been collaborating with our franchisees and listening to and understanding our guests’ tastes and preferences and we have consistently evolved our brand strategy accordingly. There has truly never been a better time for our brand and it is showing in our record-breaking sales and strong franchise development.”
• One-on-One interview with Carl Howard (published Oct. 4, 2016)
In addition to robust sales growth, Fazoli’s experienced its most successful franchise grand opening in Hazard, Ky. in February, with opening week sales of over $105,000. Guests in Hazard came out to Fazoli’s grand opening in record numbers, with over 12,000 guests served during the first week.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response Hazard and the surrounding communities have had to our grand opening,” said Brian Couch, Fazoli’s newest franchisee. “This response is a testament to the brand’s strength and reputation as the best place to enjoy fresh, quality Italian food at a great value.”
Since the beginning of the year, the company has opened five new restaurants across the country with plans to open an additional seven locations by the end of the year, for a total of 12 locations, setting a record for the most openings since 2002. As part of the brand refresh last year, Fazoli’s remodeled nine of its locations with a new, contemporary look and feel, including a modern interior redesign. In addition, the company introduced an upgraded menu using premium ingredients and offerings such as tableside grated Parmesan, upgraded plateware, as well as new dishes such as Spicy Penne with Chicken or Sausage, Ultimate Veggie Rotini and Brownie Gelato Sundae.
Fazoli’s also recently launched its first app-based loyalty program with mobile ordering capabilities, and is testing third party delivery at select locations. Always innovating, the brand is testing new menu items like its Italian Breadstick Sliders as a way to increase off-premise guest traffic during off-peak times.
As a testament to its achievements, Fazoli’s franchisees are experiencing nearly three times the industry average growth rate with new franchised restaurants continually setting new system-wide records. With nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, Fazoli’s is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join its growing, successful franchise network and is targeting new markets across the U.S.
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