I Heart Mac & Cheese Adding To Arizona Presence

By: I Heart Mac & Cheese | 6 Shares 479 Reads

August 11, 2020 // Franchising.com // Boca Raton, Fla. - I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, fully customizable Build Your Own Macaroni & Cheese Bowls and Grilled Cheese sandwiches, announced today the brand’s latest franchisee agreement to expand the brand’s growing footprint in Arizona.

Franchisee James Maragh has inked deals for three Arizona locations slotted to open in Peoria-North, Scottsdale North and Gilbert. Maragh is a seasoned retail franchisee who, along with his partner Tony Ortiz, are excited to bring that experience into the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand.

“We learned the benefits and opportunity associated with franchising from our previous business ventures as a UBreakIFix franchisee, and when we saw the need to diversify, I Heart Mac & Cheese became an obvious choice,” says Maragh. The business partners chose I Heart Mac & Cheese over other franchise opportunities because they were attracted to its’ brand image, menu offering and unique guest experience.

The brand’s appeal to younger consumers and families is guiding their location strategy as they scout potential sites within the Peoria-North, Scottsdale North and Gilbert areas, with a target opening early Spring 2021.

The brand is quickly developing a national footprint with upcoming openings in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas.

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.

“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,” said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and Chairman. “We are thrilled to continue growing our brand with partners that share our same beliefs and value our innovative concept, food quality and diverse menu.”

About I Heart Mac & Cheese

I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, Build Your Own Macaroni & 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, crave-able menu options for everyone to enjoy. Led by CEO Steve Giordanella, the brand launched its first location in 2016 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, North Carolina and Texas. I Heart Mac & Cheese was recently named #6 “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” in the USA TODAY 10 Best 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards. The innovative company was also recently featured on QSR Magazine’s “40/40 list for 2020: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals”, and was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities.

SOURCE I Heart Mac & Cheese

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