Fazoli's franchisees in December reported a 5.3 percent sales and 1 percent traffic increase over last year, even though consumers were doing battle with some of the worst weather seen in years. As a result, franchised same-store sales have been up 43 of the last 45 months. Company locations posted strong December numbers as well with sales and traffic up 3.6 and 2 percent, respectively.

"Fazoli's franchisees are to be applauded for delivering a truly remarkable performance during a very challenging time," said Carl Howard, president and CEO. "Over the last few years, our franchise operators have invested in their restaurants and worked diligently to improve the entire guest experience, and that is continuing to pay off."

For the quarter, franchise comp-store sales were up 5.7 percent over 2012. The best month of the year, October, saw franchise sales up more than 12 percent on a two-year comparison.

Strong, steady sales are prompting current franchisees to develop additional locations while also attracting new operators. Fazoli's will open at least six new franchise units in the first half of 2014. Just recently Fazoli's locked up its fourth new franchise group, MCSB Investment Group, LLC, to develop convenience store locations in Whitehouse and Tyler, Texas.

Work will begin next month on the first modular, non-traditional convenience store prototype. It is being developed in Elkins, W. Va. by Par-Mar Stores, which operates another Fazoli's convenience store location. Construction is already underway on two additional convenience store locations in Glenwood Springs, Colo. and Dubuque, Iowa.

"Fazoli's is proving that a mature brand facing extreme market and economic pressures can compete with upstarts - and grow - with a formula of premium quality food, exceptional service, innovative marketing and franchisee support," Howard added. "It's very rewarding to see our franchisees, many of whom have been with the brand through difficult times, again prospering. With new operators joining the system, 2014 is filled with great opportunity."

A family favorite for more than 25 years, Fazoli's is America's largest Italian quick-service chain with some 220 company and franchised restaurants. Based in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli's is expanding throughout the country. The company is owned by Sun Capital Partners.

Brad Ritter Communications, LLC
Brad Ritter, 866-284-2170
BRitter@bradritter.com