Fazoli's Announces Removal Of All Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, Preservatives And Colors From Its Entire Food Menu
- America's Largest Fast Casual Italian Franchise is the 1st National Brand Under 1,000 Units to Unveil Completely Clean Food Menu -
LEXINGTON, Ky., April 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fazoli's announced today it has completely removed all artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives and colors from its entire food menu. America's largest fast casual Italian restaurant is the first national brand under 1,000 units and the third restaurant overall – behind Panera Bread and Chipotle - to offer a completely clean food menu. Fazoli's and its franchisees operate nearly 220 locations in 25 states.
Fazoli's supply chain is currently 80 percent clean of all artificial ingredients, and on June 19th, will be completely clean of all artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives and colors. To achieve this important milestone, Fazoli's has invested more than $1.5 million.
"Fazoli's is proud to take the lead among national brands under 1,000 locations to offer a completely clean food menu. We credit Panera and, recently, Chipotle in doing the same, and are surprised that other larger restaurant systems haven't done so as well," said Carl Howard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fazoli's. "We began this effort over a year ago with a commitment to our guests to deliver the best tasting, highest-quality food as possible – and going clean was the only option. They deserve to enjoy delicious, clean food and our size was not going to get in the way of us accomplishing this significant milestone."
As part of its "Naturally Italian" initiative, Fazoli's worked closely with nearly 50 suppliers to guarantee that a total of 81 artificial ingredients, colors and preservatives were eliminated from its food menu. A few of the additives being removed from menu items include Calcium Propionate, Nitrates and Sodium Benzoate from its proteins, salad dressings and signature breadsticks, as well as artificial flavors, colors and high-fructose corn syrup from all desserts. Several of Fazoli's menu items were already clean including all unfilled pastas, its signature marinara sauce and fresh salads. Fresh brewed tea will be clean, as well, and made with pure cane sugar.
Starting June 19th the brand will also be rolling out a new premium menu in its 122 company-owned locations across the country. The remaining 91 and all new franchised locations will feature the newly upgraded menus in January 2018. Fazoli's has refined its menu offering to bring more flavor and customizable menu options to meet ever-changing consumer tastes and preferences.
The brand will introduce a modernized menu using premium ingredients and offerings such as tableside grated parmesan, upgraded plateware, as well as new dishes such as "Create Your Own Lasagna," "Spicy Sausage Rigatoni," and "Brownie Gelato Sundae."
Fazoli's clean eating initiative is a significant part of the company's brand turnaround, which has been fueled by its strong financial performance, underscored by 15 consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth. In addition, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing nearly three times the industry average growth rate with new franchised restaurants continually setting new systemwide sales records.
Building on this financial success, Fazoli's will begin remodeling select locations with a new, contemporary look and feel to create a better customer experience for its guests. Several locations are scheduled to be remodeled through this summer and will feature textured white brick and other natural materials, as well as Wi-Fi bars and communal dining tables.
Fazoli's is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join its growing, successful franchise network and is targeting new markets across the United States.
Most recently, the brand launched a multi-unit franchise development incentive program available through June 30, 2017. New franchisees that sign a new multi-unit agreement for three or more locations will receive reduced franchise and royalty fees for the first two years of operations. A reduced franchise fee is also available for new multi-unit agreements for three or more non-traditional units, including college campuses, airports and casinos.
For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.ownafazolis.com or contact Sam Nelson, Vice President of Franchise Recruitment and Development, at 1-800-446-4368 or [email protected].
About Fazoli's
With nearly 220 restaurants, Fazoli's is America's largest Italian fast-casual brand serving freshly prepared entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches, salads and pizza. One of the New York Post's five breakout fast-casual restaurants and a Fast Casual.com Brand of the Year, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing record sales growth.
Contact:
Elayne Jacobs
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]
SOURCE Fazoli's
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