Fazoli’s signs agreement with Jonesboro group to expand in Central Arkansas

Italian restaurant chain Fazoli’s signed agreements this week with a Northeast Arkansas partnership to expand the chain’s presence in Central Arkansas. The Lexington, Ky.-based restaurant operator said its three-store deal with Pasta Joint LLC of Jonesboro will grow the company’s quick-service restaurant concept in Benton, Conway and Searcy.

According to corporate filings with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office, Pasta Joint was incorporated by Jonesboro residents Anand Patel and Linda Bradley in August. Together with Restaurant Joints LLC, led by Patel and Kaldesh Pas, the group owns and operate a portfolio of well-known restaurant brands that include the Dairy Queen, Smoothie King, Schlotzsky’s, Perkins and Uncle Maddio’s Pizza.

The agreement with Fazoli’s corporate office will allow the Jonesboro restaurant partnership plan to open their first of three Central Arkansas locations in 2019, with continued development efforts over the course of the next few years. The Northeast Arkansas entrepreneurs also operate Fazoli’s locations in Jonesboro and Paragould. Company officials said the Italian eatery did once operate a Fazoli’s franchise in Rogers, but that location was closed as the Kentucky restaurant chain has revamped its business model and adopted a more revenue-friendly, quick-service concept.

“We are thrilled and honored to be welcoming these two established and experienced groups into our Fazoli’s family,” said Fazoli’s President and CEO Carl Howard. “Attracting this level of talent to the brand, now in our 30th year, speaks volumes to the momentum and trajectory of the company. With the brands revitalization efforts in full swing, from menu innovations to remodel openings and the continued integration of technology, we look forward to providing our guests with high quality food at a great value, in more locations across the country every year.”

Fazoli’s now has nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, company officials said, and is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join its growing franchise network in new markets across the U.S. According to limited financial data from the privately-held Italian restaurant chain, the average Fazoli’s franchise brings in nearly $1.6 million in annual revenue.

Beside the restaurant development agreement with the Arkansas partnership group, Fazoli’s also reached a similar pact with Georgia-based Arriba Restaurant Group to open five of its Italian franchise locations in the Atlanta area. Potential Fazoli’s franchisees must pay an initial licensing fee of $40,000 and can invest $750,000 per store opening.