---
title: "I Heart Mac & Cheese Signs Fifth Franchise Agreement To Continue Expansion Across Indiana"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/df4fe33a-036b-42af-a0f6-a85f6cb9e132
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20200630_i_heart_mac_amp_cheese_signs_fifth_franchise_agree.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2020-06-30T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:33:10.931Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504674900247-0877df9cc836?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# I Heart Mac & Cheese Signs Fifth Franchise Agreement To Continue Expansion Across Indiana

**TL;DR:** I Heart Mac & Cheese signs a new franchise agreement to open two additional locations in Indiana, increasing its footprint to five stores in the state. The brand is expanding across the US with new locations announced in several states.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2020-06-30. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20200630_i_heart_mac_amp_cheese_signs_fifth_franchise_agree.html).*

## Story

“Our franchisee partner originally purchased three locations in August 2019 and recently decided to purchase two additional locations after a very successful grand opening at Westfield’s I Heart Mac & Cheese this June,” said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and Chairman. “We’re thrilled with the brand’s Indiana debut and we look forward to delivering the same I Heart Mac & Cheese experience as we continue expanding across the state.”

In addition to these new locations, several other locations have recently been announced, with upcoming openings in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

“We decided to purchase two more I Heart Mac & Cheese locations as a result of the volume the first location produced as soon as we opened -- it completely exceeded our expectations!” said Matthew Griffin. "We are extremely grateful for the fantastic response from the residents of Westfield are very excited to introduce the brand to new customers in our trade area in the north side of Indianapolis, Indiana.”

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 fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, Build Your Own Macaroni and 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 and Texas. I Heart Mac & Cheese was recently selected by QSR Magazine as one of America’s hottest startup fast-casual brands on their annual 40/40 list and is ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- Entrepreneur (publication)
- QSR Magazine (publication)
- texas (location)
- restaurant industry (topic)
- Florida (location)
- franchise agreement (topic)
- fast casual (topic)
- new york (location)
- California (location)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20200630_i_heart_mac_amp_cheese_signs_fifth_franchise_agree.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/df4fe33a-036b-42af-a0f6-a85f6cb9e132).