Fazoli’s Expands to South Carolina: A Strategic Move for Growth

Fazoli’s, the largest quick-service Italian chain in America, is making a significant move by opening a new location in South Carolina. This expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy to increase its footprint across the United States, capitalizing on its award-winning status and high owner satisfaction rates. The new location in South Carolina is part of a larger plan to solidify its presence in key markets and attract new customers.



The decision to open a new location in South Carolina is backed by thorough market research and data analysis. Fazoli’s has leveraged customer surveys and loyalty program data to understand guest behaviors and preferences. For instance, recent surveys indicate that Fazoli’s is now being compared to higher-end casual dining options rather than fast food, suggesting a successful repositioning of the brand. Additionally, the company’s loyalty program data has driven its restructuring process, resulting in increased sales and traffic. This data-driven approach has been crucial in determining the viability and potential success of the new location.

The new location in South Carolina fits into Fazoli’s overall growth plan, which includes expanding into new markets and increasing the number of locations. The company has overhauled its marketing and operations staff, added service, and overhauled its menu with improved Italian dishes. This strategy has resulted in same-store sales increases for nearly five years, attracting interest from numerous private-equity groups. The sale to Sentinel Capital Partners provides Fazoli’s with more funds to fuel growth, including the opening of new locations in South Carolina.

However, there are potential challenges associated with this move. One challenge is the competitive landscape in the quick-service restaurant industry. South Carolina is home to many established restaurant chains, and Fazoli’s will need to differentiate itself to attract customers. Another challenge is the cost of opening a new location, which can be significant. The initial investment to open a Fazoli’s is between $1.5 million and $2.3 million, and the company will need to ensure that the new location is profitable to justify the investment.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of tapping into a new customer base and increasing brand visibility make the opening of a new Fazoli’s location in South Carolina a worthwhile investment. The company’s data-driven approach and successful repositioning of the brand position it well for success in this new market. As Fazoli’s continues to expand, investors can expect to see continued growth and profitability from this strategic move.