Fazoli's, America's largest fast casual Italian chain, announced it has signed three single unit franchise agreements to develop restaurants in the Tampa and Atlanta metro areas. In Tampa, the agreement with S.C.S. Hospitality Group marks the brand's second franchised location in the Sunshine State. The two agreements in Georgia are with longtime multi-unit franchisees who are expanding on the success they have already achieved with the company. Fazoli's, which has experienced 15 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, currently has nearly 220 open locations and more than 34 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

"Signing these new franchise agreements adds more fuel to the incredible fire the Fazoli's concept is experiencing across the country," said Carl Howard, president and chief executive officer of Fazoli's. "Our continuing brand refresh efforts have ignited a spark, with franchisees experiencing nearly three times the industry average growth rate and new franchised restaurants continually setting new systemwide records. It's exciting to welcome a new group into the family and see the ongoing growth of our current franchisees."

Terri Suttle, Livingston Chatman and Patrick Smith of S.C.S. Hospitality Group are excited to bring the first Fazoli's to the Tampa, Florida area and employ their 10 previous years of owner-operator experience in the QSR industry to the Fazoli's concept.

"Fazoli's is one of the most sought-after, well-performing franchises available today," said Chatman. "We are very impressed with the controls the company has in place to ensure franchisee success and the level of support they offer. In addition to that solid infrastructure, the food is delicious, the presentation is phenomenal and the attention to detail is like none other."  

In Georgia, multi-unit franchisee Allen Peake has signed a franchise agreement to develop a single unit in the Henry County area, just south of Atlanta. Peake has been on a roll with Fazoli's, opening locations in Warner Robins and Macon, Georgia, which each celebrated record-breaking grand openings last year. On the other side of Atlanta, franchisee Odus Mundy has signed an agreement to open a single unit located in Gwinnett County. Mundy currently owns four Fazoli's restaurants in Tennessee and Georgia with a fifth location scheduled to open in the Snellville area by this fall.

Fazoli's strong growth has been fueled by its continuing brand refresh efforts such as restaurant remodels, enhancements to the catering program and an upgraded menu with premium ingredients, which have led to increased sales. 2017 plans include additional restaurant redesigns and more customizable menu options made with simple, honest ingredients to accommodate ever-changing consumer preferences.