---
title: "I Heart Mac & Cheese Expands Into Its’ 14th State With New Franchisee Deal In Arizona"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/d2baeea4-07da-42d9-8429-ca5248d069bd
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20200723_i_heart_mac__cheese_expands_into_its_14th_state_with_new_franchisee_deal_in.html
category: "Retail"
industry: "Retail"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2020-07-23T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:32:50.371Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# I Heart Mac & Cheese Expands Into Its’ 14th State With New Franchisee Deal In Arizona

**TL;DR:** I Heart Mac & Cheese is expanding into its 14th state with a new franchisee deal in Arizona. The brand is rapidly growing its footprint with new locations announced in several states.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2020-07-23. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20200723_i_heart_mac__cheese_expands_into_its_14th_state_with_new_franchisee_deal_in.html).*

## Story

This is also the first I Heart Mac & Cheese restaurant for franchisee Brian Lambert, who brings over 25 years of General Manager and Executive Chef experience to the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand. “I am thrilled to be able to bring my restaurant experience into this brand that is experiencing incredible growth. Bringing I Heart Mac & Cheese into the Phoenix community is a dream come true for me, and something I am so excited to build as part of my legacy for my two sons,” said Lambert.

Lambert grew up in the restaurant world, and has always had a special place in his heart for Mac & Cheese – and is now realizing his dream of having his own restaurant that specializes in the dish.

In addition to this new location, a second I Heart Mac & Cheese is also slotted for the Phoenix area. Several other locations have also been announced, with upcoming openings in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Texas.

A unique franchise concept in the restaurant industry with no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems, I Heart Mac & Cheese requires a low investment and can be opened in a small space, such as a mall kiosk or food court. Shopping malls, sports venues, areas close to colleges and universities, and high-traffic pedestrian areas are also ideal locations. With a home office in South Florida, I Heart Mac & Cheese offers franchise owner training, marketing support and ongoing development opportunities to ensure each location’s success.

“I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fun, attractive concept and an affordable franchise model that is easy to operate, with support systems in place to help our partners be successful,” said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and Chairman. “We are thrilled to continue growing our brand with partners that share our same beliefs and value our innovative concept, food quality and diverse menu.”

I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, Build Your Own Macaroni & Cheese Bowls and Grilled Cheese sandwiches that guests can customize using a wide variety of chef-inspired proteins, ingredients and sauces. Thinking outside the bowl, the brand takes timeless comfort food in exciting culinary directions, resulting in diverse, crave-able menu options for everyone to enjoy. 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. I Heart Mac & Cheese was recently named #6 “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” in the USA TODAY 10 Best 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards. The innovative company was also recently featured on QSR Magazine’s “40/40 list for 2020: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals”, and was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- Retail (sector)
- Entrepreneur (publication)
- QSR Magazine (publication)
- Arizona (location)
- USA TODAY (company)
- fast casual concept (topic)
- franchisee deal (topic)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20200723_i_heart_mac__cheese_expands_into_its_14th_state_with_new_franchisee_deal_in.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/d2baeea4-07da-42d9-8429-ca5248d069bd).