New franchisee group acquires Columbia Fazoli’s

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Impact Hospitality Group has acquired two existing Fazoli’s restaurants in Columbia, and the franchisee group plans to develop five new area restaurants within the next few years.

The first new location is slated to open in 2019, according to a news release, and the group plans to keep the two existing locations, at 139 Columbiana Circle and at 7621 Two Notch Road, open.  

“As we look back on the success Fazoli’s has achieved in 2018 and ahead to the many exciting initiatives and campaigns we have in place for 2019, we are thrilled to be welcoming an esteemed group of franchisees like Impact Hospitality Group to help us make those plans a reality,” Carl Howard, Fazoli’s president and CEO, said in the release. “Being able to attract this level of talent to the brand continues to speak volumes to the momentum and trajectory of the company.”

Mike Lokhandwala, who owns and operates more than 35 restaurants, including Huddle House and Church’s Chicken franchises, will lead the new franchisee group.

Fazoli’s, a fast-casual Italian chain, operates approximately 220 restaurants in 28 states.

“Benefiting from very strong leadership under Carl Howard, the Fazoli’s brand has achieved great momentum in the past few years, and we are truly excited and privileged to be the ones to shepherd the Fazoli’s restaurants into their next phase,” Lokhandwala said.