I Heart Mac & Cheese Signs Twentieth Franchise Agreement and Continues Expansion In Texas

By: I Heart Mac & Cheese | 9 Shares 285 Reads

May 05, 2020 // Franchising.com // Boca Raton, Fla. - I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, announced today it has signed a new franchise agreement with Verlan Hoopes to continue the brand’s expansion across Texas. He will be opening one new location in the city of Conroe in the next year. This recent expansion will increase I Heart Mac & Cheese’s footprint to 20 stores in Texas.

“I Heart Mac & Cheese is a unique and attractive franchise concept that sells itself and stands out among other franchise models,” said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and Chairman. “People are constantly impressed by the company’s innovative business model and menu, and we’re excited to continue expanding across Texas with partners that share those beliefs!”

In addition to this new location near the Houston area, several other locations have recently been announced, with upcoming openings in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

I Heart Mac & Cheese is well-known for chef-inspired, custom, build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Guests select a pasta, bread, quinoa, broccoli or cauliflower base along with seven different proteins, vegetables, and cheeses. Most recently, the brand unveiled a new vegan menu featuring plant-based options through an official partnership with Beyond Meat®. A variety of gluten-free options are also available. In addition to customized options, the menu includes specialty chef special items like Baked Chicken Parmesan, Baked Meatball Parmesan, The Cuban, Pepperoni Pizza, and Lobster & White Truffle Mac, among others. Sesame ginger, mango habanero, buffalo, BBQ, and pesto are a few of the delicious dressings and sauces available to mix in or top off each creation. Guests can pair their meal with the perfect side of Tomato Soup and finish it with a selection of desserts such as Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies and Marshmallow Treats.

A unique franchise concept in the restaurant industry with no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems, I Heart Mac & Cheese requires a low investment and can be opened in a small space, such as a mall kiosk or food court. Shopping malls, sports venues, areas close to colleges and universities, and high-traffic pedestrian areas are also ideal locations. With a home office in South Florida, I Heart Mac & Cheese offers franchise owner training, marketing support and ongoing development opportunities to ensure each location’s success.

This month, I Heart Mac & Cheese was named #6 “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” In USA TODAY 10BEST 2020 AWARDS. Voted on by people from across the United States, the company earned the sixth-place spot thanks to its grown-up approach to mac & cheese and diverse menu with cheesy and healthy options for everyone. I Heart Mac & Cheese has also received other accolades with the last few years. The innovative company was recently recognized by QSR Magazine’s “40/40 List for 2020: America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals”, and in 2019, I Heart Mac & Cheese was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities.

About I Heart Mac & Cheese

I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Also, on the menu are lifestyle choices with quinoa, broccoli or cauliflower bowls, as well as gluten-free pasta. In 2019, the brand unveiled a new vegan menu featuring plant-based options through an official partnership that was launched with Beyond Meat®. The menu combines award-winning recipes resulting in a grown-up approach to this classic childhood dish. Guests in search of an easy-to-eat treat can enjoy the brand’s newest menu item, Mac Bites, that are baked, bite-size portions perfect to eat while you are on the go in flavors like Classic, Pepperoni Pizza, Lobster and Buffalo Chicken. I Heart Mac & Cheese currently operates corporate locations in Florida at Pembroke Pines, Jupiter and Boca Raton. In 2017, the company launched its franchising program nationwide and has open and operating franchisee locations in Florida, New York, Georgia and Texas. Additional locations are slated to open in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

SOURCE I Heart Mac & Cheese

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