I Heart Mac & Cheese Signs New Franchise Agreement In South Carolina And Atlanta

By: I Heart Mac & Cheese | 1,021 Shares 1,441 Reads

June 12, 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 Mita Patel to open two new locations, one in Columbia, South Carolina and another within Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by mid/late fall 2020.

“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 in Georgia and launch our first location in South Carolina!”

“My husband and I have 10+ years’ experience in the food service industry and currently own several restaurants in Columbia,” says Mita Patel. “We’re always on the lookout for new and fresh food ideas and immediately fell in love with the I Heart Mac and Cheese concept and diverse menu as soon as we came across it. We’re excited about introducing a quality new brand like this to Columbia and Atlanta!”

In addition to these two new locations, 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 made-to-order, Build Your Own Macaroni and Cheese Bowls and Grilled Cheese sandwiches that guests can customize using a wide variety of chef-inspired proteins, ingredients and sauces. Thinking outside the bowl, the brand takes timeless comfort food in exciting culinary directions, resulting in diverse, craveable menu options for everyone to enjoy. Led by CEO Steve Giordanella, the brand launched its first location in 2017 and currently operates corporate locations in Pembroke Pines, Jupiter and Boca Raton, Florida. The company’s unique franchising program has fueled nationwide brand growth – with operating franchise locations in Florida, Georgia, New York and Texas – and additional locations are slated to open in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas. I Heart Mac & Cheese was recently selected by QSR Magazine as one of America’s hottest startup fast-casual brands on their annual 40/40 list and is ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities.

SOURCE I Heart Mac & Cheese

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