I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, fully customizable Build Your Own Macaroni & Cheese Bowls and Grilled Cheese sandwiches, recently announced the brand’s latest franchisee agreement to expand the brand’s growing footprint in Arizona.
Franchisee James Maragh has inked deals for three Arizona locations slotted to open in North Peoria, North Scottsdale, and Gilbert. Maragh is a seasoned retail franchisee who, along with his partner Tony Ortiz, is excited to bring that experience into the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand.
“We learned the benefits and opportunity associated with franchising from our previous business ventures as a UBreakIFix franchisee, and when we saw the need to diversify, I Heart Mac & Cheese became an obvious choice,” says Maragh. The business partners chose I Heart Mac & Cheese over other franchise opportunities because they were attracted to its brand image, menu offering, and unique guest experience.
The brand’s appeal to younger consumers and families is guiding their location strategy as they scout potential sites within the North Peoria, North Scottsdale and Gilbert areas, with a target opening in early spring 2021.
Led by CEO Steve Giordanella, the brand launched its first location in 2016 and currently operates corporate locations in Pembroke Pines, Jupiter and Boca Raton, Florida. The company’s unique franchising program has fueled nationwide brand growth – with operating franchise locations in Florida, Georgia, New York and Texas – and additional locations are slated to open in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas.
For more information on I Heart Mac & Cheese, visit iheartmacandcheese.com.
