Quick-service Italian chain Fazoli’s is planning to open two new restaurants in the Chicago area next year as part of a big nationwide expansion.
The Kentucky-based chain said it is scouting locations southwest of the city, including Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Burbank and Orland Park. The first location is slated to open next spring, and the second is expected to open in fall 2017, according to CEO Carl Howard.
Currently, the company’s closest location to Chicago is in Valparaiso, Ind. It also has Illinois locations in Normal and Champaign.
Fazoli’s menu is focused on pasta, with most dishes around $7. It also offers pizza, sandwiches and salads.
The company said it’s considering expanding further in the area eventually. Howard said the Chicago-area market could hold 25 restaurants, “but we need to get the first few done right.”
In total, it plans to open 22 new restaurants across the country after a year of strong sales growth.
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