2016
40
$250,000
$35,000
$700,000
No
I Heart Mac & Cheese is redefining comfort food in America with its modern, fast-casual twist on everyone’s favorite dish—macaroni and cheese. This innovative restaurant concept has built a passionate following by offering a customizable menu featuring macaroni, cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, vegan options, and protein-rich bowls—all made fresh and served quickly. Known for its inviting, family-friendly atmosphere and indulgent menu, I Heart Mac & Cheese stands at the intersection of nostalgia and innovation.
As a franchise opportunity, the brand offers more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that brings comfort, creativity, and profitability together. Designed for today’s on-the-go consumer, the franchise combines low overhead, simple operations, and a flexible footprint that fits various markets, from urban centers to suburban shopping districts. With national recognition, strong social media appeal, and a crave-worthy product line, I Heart Mac & Cheese has become one of the fastest-growing fast-casual food franchises in the USA.
Investing in I Heart Mac & Cheese means joining a brand with a proven, scalable model and a loyal customer base. The menu appeals to families, millennials, and professionals seeking quick, customizable meals that cater to diverse dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegan options.
The brand has positioned itself uniquely within the booming fast-casual segment—estimated at over $150 billion in the U.S.—by offering a niche menu with mass appeal. Franchise owners benefit from a business model that’s easy to operate with no need for fryers, hoods, or grills, reducing startup costs and complexity.
I Heart Mac & Cheese also leverages strong marketing campaigns, community engagement, and tech-enabled ordering systems to maximize customer reach and loyalty. With flexible store formats suitable for malls, college campuses, and high-traffic neighborhoods, it’s a smart investment for those seeking high-margin opportunities in food service.
Key Investment Advantages:
Simple and streamlined operations with minimal kitchen equipment
Strong branding and national recognition
Excellent franchisee support and training
Attractive menu for all ages and dietary lifestyles
Scalable footprint with dine-in, takeout, and delivery revenue channels
Strong ROI potential and low labor costs
I Heart Mac & Cheese was founded in 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida, by entrepreneur Steve Giordanella. The concept was built around a simple but powerful idea—take America’s most loved comfort food and reimagine it with modern flair. The first store’s success led to rapid franchise expansion across Florida and into states like Texas, New York, Georgia, and Nevada.
Today, I Heart Mac & Cheese operates over 40 locations nationwide, with dozens more in development. The brand’s growth has been driven by its flexible store design, appealing to both traditional restaurant owners and multi-unit franchise operators. It operates in the fast-casual restaurant industry, one of the most resilient and profitable segments in the U.S. food market.
The company remains privately held, maintaining a strong commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and franchisee success. Its focus on quality ingredients, operational simplicity, and high profitability has made it a standout choice for first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike.
I Heart Mac & Cheese believes that franchise success comes from consistent guidance, hands-on training, and ongoing operational support. The brand’s comprehensive franchise program ensures every partner receives the resources and knowledge to build a thriving business.
Pre-Opening Support:
Real estate site selection and lease negotiation assistance
Store design, layout, and construction support
Vendor sourcing and approved supply chain setup
Pre-launch marketing and grand opening campaigns
Training Program:
Franchisees participate in a four-week training program at the corporate headquarters in Florida and at an operational store. This covers daily operations, food preparation, staffing, cost management, and guest service excellence.
Marketing Support:
Access to national marketing campaigns and brand assets
Local store marketing strategies tailored to community engagement
Social media management guidelines and promotional content calendars
Digital marketing support including SEO and delivery app integration
Ongoing Operational Support:
Field operations assistance and periodic audits
Technology updates and POS system training
Continuous product innovation and limited-time offers
Annual franchise meetings and regional conferences for networking and learning
I Heart Mac & Cheese ensures franchisees are never alone—from the first day of signing through years of operation, ongoing guidance keeps franchise partners competitive and profitable.
I Heart Mac & Cheese is ideal for entrepreneurs who are passionate about food, hospitality, and community engagement. You don’t need prior restaurant experience—the brand’s training and operational simplicity make it accessible for investors from various backgrounds.
Ideal Candidate Traits:
Entrepreneurial mindset with a customer-first attitude
Strong leadership and team management skills
Desire to be involved in local marketing and community outreach
Ability to follow a proven system and maintain brand standards
Financial capability to meet investment requirements
Who It’s Best For:
Single-unit owners seeking a hands-on business
Multi-unit operators looking to expand their food portfolio
Investors targeting college towns, suburban plazas, or delivery-heavy areas
Hospitality professionals looking for a scalable concept with fast ROI
With flexible footprint models—ranging from small 1,000 sq. ft. express stores to larger 2,000 sq. ft. dine-in concepts—franchisees can adapt to local market opportunities.
| Category | Details (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $700,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Average Store Size | 1,000 – 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 25% (Varies by market) |
| Break-Even Period | Typically 18 – 36 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, online delivery, and limited-time menu items |
| Franchise Units (Approx.) | 40+ operational with 90+ in development |
These figures may vary based on location, lease terms, and local construction costs, but the relatively low build-out costs and operational efficiency make I Heart Mac & Cheese an attractive food franchise option for aspiring entrepreneurs.
