Fazoli’s franchised and company restaurants in March reported year-over-year sales increases of nearly seven percent, far outpacing their quick-service and fast-casual competitors. The strong sales come as Fazoli’s prepares to open 10 new restaurants this year.

 

Franchised locations posted a 6.8 percent sales jump, with corporate restaurants reporting a 6.7 percent increase. By comparison, various industry research firms report quick-service and fast-casual sales increased from less than a half-percent to 4.8 percent.

 

Carl Howard, president and CEO, attributes the strong performance to the brand being properly positioned for the current environment. “The combination of increasing service after the point of sale and providing our guests with highly craveable products, all at a price point under $7, is proving to be a winning formula.”

 

Howard added that March sales are a precursor to what should be a very good year for Fazoli’s, which has nine franchised restaurants currently in development. The first two are scheduled to open next month in Dubuque, Iowa and Whitehouse, Texas. Fazoli’s also will open another company-owned restaurant this summer in Dayton, Ohio.

 

“2014 is shaping up as a watershed year, with same-store sales growing, current franchisees adding units, and new operators joining the system,” says Howard. “This, combined with a strengthening economy and some very exciting promotions, like our current Nutella Cheesecake limited-time-offer, put Fazoli’s in an excellent position for future development.”