The Lone Star State is one of 16 states that Florida-based I Heart Mac & Cheese is hoping to grow its presence in throughout 2022.
In 2021, the brand signed 47 franchise agreements and has plans in place to open over 75 stores in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
“Navigating the pandemic has been challenging for the restaurant industry,” CEO and Chairman Stephen Giordanella said in a press release statement. “During the start of the pandemic we knew we had to rethink the way we did things to continue to expand We set a deep focus on providing our franchise family with the right tools for success.”
The brand currently has over 20 locations with the majority being in the Sunshine State.
When it comes to North Texas, a location is in operation at 501 N Houston St in Dallas near The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. What Now Dallas reported in October 2021 that a Highland Village location was set to open at 2250 Justin Rd. That location is still listed as “coming soon” on the brand’s website.
Other I Heart restaurants in Texas are further Southeast in Baytown, College Station, Deer Park, Houston and Port Arthur. A Mont Belvieu location will have its grand opening Feb. 2. A Spring location is expected to open in March and a Woodlands location is listed as “coming soon.”
No word yet on if the brand’s expansion in Texas this year will be focused in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex or elsewhere.
I Heart Mac & Cheese encourages guests to “stay cheesy” with an extensive menu that allows them to build their own macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheeses. Bowls can be made from a variety of health-conscious bases such as quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, and gluten-free pasta. Vegan cheese sauce, plant-based proteins and veggies are also available.
Some of the restaurant’s signature bowls are Classic Mac – of which a vegan option is also available; Short Rib Philly, Chicken Parmesan, and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Sides include mac bites, tater tots, tomato soup and cheesy broccoli.
