Fazoli's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fast casual restaurant |
| Founded | 1988 in Lexington, Kentucky, United States |
| Fate | Acquired by FAT Brands in November 2022 |
| Headquarters | Lexington , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
Key people | Gregg Nettleton (President as of January 2025) |
| Products | Italian-American cuisine (pasta, sandwiches, salads, parmigiano, meatballs, pizza) |
| Owner | FAT Brands |
| Parent | FAT Brands |
| Website | www |
Fazoli's System Management, LLC., commonly known as Fazoli's, is a United States-based fast casual restaurant chain with its corporate headquarters located in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1988, the brand is currently under the ownership of FAT Brands. By August 2025, Fazoli's has expanded to 192 outlets throughout the United States and Canada, primarily offering Italian-American cuisine.
History
The inception of Fazoli's occurred in 1988 as a companion brand to Long John Silver's in Lexington, Kentucky. Two years later, in 1990, the Seed Restaurant Group led by Kunihide Toyoda took over the initial five locations. The chain experienced swift growth, reaching 62 restaurants by 1993 across Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida, and further expanding to 300 units by 1997. The peak was achieved in 2004 with around 400 restaurants.
In October 2006, ownership transferred to Sun Capital Partners, at which time Fazoli's had 319 locations spread over 32 states, including 179 franchised outlets. Nonetheless, by 2008, both revenue and store count diminished, highlighted by the shutdown of all 13 Arizona locations due to difficulties faced by a franchise operator.
Sentinel Capital Partners took over Fazoli's in July 2015, managing a portfolio of 124 company-owned and 89 franchised establishments. The last restaurant in Southern Nevada ceased operations in 2016. Later, in November 2022, FAT Brands Inc. acquired the remaining fleet of 122 company-operated Fazoli's restaurants for $130 million.
As of January 2025, Gregg Nettleton holds the position of President at Fazoli's as well as President and COO of FAT Brands’ Casual Dining Division.
Expansion into Canada
In April 2024, the parent corporation FAT Brands revealed plans for its initial international growth by introducing Fazoli's to Canada. Over the next ten years, they intend to launch 25 new locations nationwide. The first establishments are slated for Alberta, with the inaugural restaurant soon opening in southeast Calgary, specifically within the Mahogany community.
Products
Initially centered on pizza and pasta, Fazoli's transitioned away from pizza towards serving pasta prepared al dente by the year 1990, aiming for price points below those of rival hamburger chains. In alignment with early-2000s health-conscious trends, the menu was broadened to feature low-fat dishes enriched with additional vegetables and protein.
By 2016, the menu encompassed baked pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, parmigiano, meatballs, and pizza varieties. Certain locations also offer catering services available for delivery or pickup.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Pages using start date and age with unknown parameters
- Restaurants established in 1988
- 1988 establishments in Kentucky
- Fast casual restaurants
- Fast-food franchises
- Fast-food chains of the United States
- Companies based in Lexington, Kentucky
- Italian restaurants in the United States
- Private equity portfolio companies
- Regional restaurant chains in the United States
- Restaurants in Kentucky
- American companies established in 1988
- Virtual restaurant