Boca Raton, Fla.-based I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese and salads, opened its first franchise unit in Yukon, Okla.
This marks the first of five locations the chain plans to open in the Oklahoma City area. I Heart Mac & Cheese plans to open a second store later this year in Moore.
Franchisee Genevieve Prieto is a lifelong franchise industry pro. Prieto was a multi-unit operator of a Domino’s franchise for 10 years.
The First I Heart Mac & Cheese location opened in 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional South Florida corporate-owned locations include Parkland, Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs. Later this month, the chain plans to open locations in Boca Raton, Fla., and Jupiter, Fla. The chain plans to open additional franchised locations in Fall 2018 in Bayside, Queens, N.Y., and Long Island, N.Y., and in Davie, Fla.
The concept requires no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems. I Heart Mac & Cheese can also fit in a small space, such as a mall kiosk or food court.