I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, has announced that it is entering the California market, signing an agreement with first West Coast franchisee Blu Bryan in Palm Springs. The store will be the first I Heart Mac & Cheese location in the state and West of the Mississippi.
“It’s exciting to be bringing this great brand to my home state,” said franchisee Blu Bryan, CEO and Founder of BMC Foods. “I Heart Mac & Cheese is a unique concept and I love our innovative take on a classic, childhood favorite food. With our customizable serving options and return to comfort food, we are responding to consumer demand while also furnishing an experience that is unparalleled in the marketplace.”
Currently under construction, the new restaurant will be located at 190 S. Indian Canyon Drive at Arenas in downtown Palm Springs. The restaurant plans to open in November and will be one of only a few downtown restaurants with extended hours late into the evening.
Bryan is committed to ensuring that his business also has a real impact on the community, and he plans to hire a diverse and inclusive team. “Giving back to the community is a key component of my philosophy. I will work with local charities when hiring so as to have the greatest impact on the community that we will proudly serve.”
Bryan also plans to offer catering for entertaining and for businesses as well as food truck options for special events. “It’s a dream come true for me to be able to put all of this together in the home that I love,” Bryan added.
South Florida-based I Heart Mac & Cheese is a popular concept rapidly expanding across the United States, serving up traditional mac and cheese and sandwich options, as well as a variety of health-conscious options. The brand has earned a reputation for consistent, delicious food and is well-known for custom, build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches, and dessert menu – including the recently launched Cheesecake Bites. Guests select a pasta, bread, quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, or tater tot base along with a choice of ten different proteins, eleven vegetables, and nine cheeses. Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and plant-based options are also available. Sesame ginger, mango habanero, buffalo, BBQ, and pesto are just a few of the delicious dressings and sauces available to mix in or top off each creation.
“Our franchise network has been seeing tremendous growth this year, and we are proud to be expanding in the state of California,” said Steve Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese, CEO and chairman.
