Brown Opens Second Fazoli?s

Geoffrey Brown opened his second Fazoli’s Italian restaurant May 16 at 3223 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville, just south of Goldies Patio Grill.

In July 1999, Brown opened the first Fazoli’s franchise in Northwest Arkansas at 1735 W. Walnut St. in Rogers. He plans to open a Fazoli’s in Fort Smith next year and one in Springdale in 2003.

Brown purchased 0.8 acres from David Slone for $400,000 to use for the restaurant site. The location previously housed a Mitsubishi dealership. Slone is a co-owner of Superior Automotive Group.

Fazoli’s has more than 400 restaurants nationwide. The National Restaurant Association rated the Fazoli’s chain the hottest concept of 1999. Part of Seed Restaurant Group of Lexington, Ky., the company plans to roll out another 230 franchise restaurants within the next five years.

Fazoli’s motto is “Italian food … fast.”

Although there are two other Italian restaurants within a block of the new Fazoli’s (Belvedeer’s and Noodles Italian Kitchen), Brown said he was not worried about the competition because Fazoli’s meals are less expensive (most entrees are $4 or less). Also, Fazoli’s is geared more for diners on the go.

Brown, a native of northwest Missouri who now lives in Rogers, previously owned a McDonald’s franchise on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. He also had four Pizza Hut franchises in Colorado.