Fazoli's
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| 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.
[edit] Expansion
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.
[edit] Acquisition by Sun Capital Partners Inc.
On October 21, 2006, Sun Capital Partners Inc. purchased Fazoli's for an estimated $1 million price tag, replacing CEO Kuni Toyoda with Bob Weissmueller, a veteran executive of McDonald's.[1] Toyoda will maintain ownership of Bella Notte.
As of April 1, 2007, several changes within the company will take place, which it will effect Corporate and Franchise daily operations. These changes are believed to be the start of several changes made throughout the year in an effort to bring in more profit to the company.
[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.
Fazoli's menu has gone through several changes since the restuarant opened. In 1997, Fazoli's debuted its signature Submarino sandwiches. In 2001, the second line of oven-baked sandwiches, "Paninis" was introduced. On November 7, 2005, Fazoli's started selling new breadsticks, which are approximately one-third bigger than the original. Some markets are still using the original brand.
In 2007, Fazoli's launched a brand new menu to be tested only in the Ohio market which included several new types of Salad's (Chicken BLT, Chicken & Fruit, etc.), as well as new cooked items such as new meat lasagna, new Ravioli, new type of Pizza, and the introduction of Macaroni & Cheese, as well as a new baked item, the Rigatoni Romano. Depending on the feedback of this Ohio-tested menu, Fazoli's is expected to make it as its National menu.
[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.
