Fazoli's
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| Fazoli's | |
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 as Gratzi's in Lexington, Kentucky |
| Headquarters | Lexington, Kentucky, United States |
| Key people | Bob Weissmueller, President & CEO |
| Industry | Restaurants |
| Products | Fast casual Italian food, including spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, ravioli, Submarinos and panini sandwiches, salads, and unlimited breadsticks |
| Employees | 4700 |
| Slogan | fast. fresh. italian. |
| Website | www.fazolis.com |
Fazoli's is a "fast casual" Italian food restaurant founded in 1988 as Gratzi's in Lexington, Kentucky known for their breadsticks that are free to dine-in customers. The name was changed to Fazoli's in 1989. The chain's stated goal is "To Become America's Favorite Family Italian Restaurant". As of 2005, they operate more than 380 restaurants in 32 states. The parent company of Fazoli's also owns Bella Notte, a full-service Italian restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky.
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[edit] Corporate history
Fazoli's began in 1988 as Gratzi's by Jerrico, at the time the parent company of Long John Silvers. In 1989, four additional restaurants were opened in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1990, all five locations were sold to the Seed Restaurant Group, Inc., also based in Lexington.
In 1991, Fazoli's expanded to Ashland, Kentucky and Orlando, Florida, and by 1992, there were 28 restaurants operating under the Fazoli's name. In 1994, the 50th store opened in Auburn, Indiana (closed September 2006), and by 1995, stores opened in Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado, South Carolina, and Ohio. The 100th store opened in Oviedo, Florida. In 1997, the 300th restaurant opened in Lexington.
During 1998 and 1999, the company saw aggressive expansion in Texas and the southwestern states, with 8 stores in the Phoenix, Arizona market, one location in St. George, Utah, and several in Texas. The 400th store opened in 2002.
In 2006, Fazoli's corporate office announced they are outsourcing the bulk of the corporate support staff positions.
On October 21, 2006, Sun Capital Partners Inc. purchased Fazoli's, replacing CEO Kuni Toyoda with Bob Weissmueller, a veteran executive of McDonald's.[1] Toyoda will maintain ownership of Bella Notte.
[edit] Menu
Fazoli's menu includes classical Italian food, such as spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, ravioli, pizza, Submarinos and panini sandwiches, and salads. Unlimited breadsticks and soda refills are also available to dine-in customers.
In 1997, Fazoli's debuted its signature Submarino sandwiches. These are submarine-type sandwiches prepared to order and served on hot, freshly baked bread.
In 2001, the second line of oven-baked sandwiches, "Paninis" was introduced.
In 2003, Fazoli's new six-layer lasagna debuted.
In 2004, a new 9-inch brick oven style pizza called My Pizza! was introduced to the menu. My Pizza! is available in six flavors.
A new type of sandwich, the Bagetti, was added in 2005. Using mostly the same ingredients as the Submarino counterparts, the Bagetti is on longer, thinner bread, and includes herbed mayonnaise. The Bagetti is intended to be eaten from its bag, for the convenience of drivers.
On November 7, 2005, Fazoli's started selling new breadsticks, which are approximately one-third bigger than the original.
[edit] Awards and recognition
In 2000, Fazoli's won the Nation's Restaurant News & Coca-Cola, "Industry of Choice" award for their unique human resources programs and impact. In 2001, the company won the Nation's Restaurant News & Coca-Cola, "People And Performance Awards" for dynamic employee retention practices and results.
In 2003, the restaurant was recognized by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine with the Best Kids Menu in America award.
