I Heart Mac & Cheese Opens Second South Carolina Location

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, today announced it has signed a franchise agreement with Robin Patel to mark the opening of a new location in West Columbia, South Carolina. This will be the second store to open in the Palmetto State. 

“Opening a new restaurant is a journey like no other, and I Heart Mac & Cheese has been a great partner already,” said Patel. “The concept itself is fresh and innovative, and with the brand’s recent store redesign, momentum and excitement are building.  I am thrilled to be part of the I Heart Mac & Cheese family and look forward to offering a memorable new way to dine out to my local community.”

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 bases including quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, gluten-free pasta, plant-based protein, and dairy-free alternatives.  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, 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. 

“This is one of the most exciting stages for our brand, as we enter new locations, roll out our store redesign and launch new menu items,” said Steve Giordanella, CEO and Chairman of I Heart Mac & Cheese. “We are really pleased to expand in South Carolina, where there is so much interest in our brand, and are proud to welcome Robin’s team into the family.”

A unique franchise concept in the restaurant industry with no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems, I Heart Mac & Cheese requires a minimal investment and can be opened in a small space, such as a mall kiosk or food court. Shopping malls, sports venues, areas close to colleges and universities, and high-traffic pedestrian areas are also ideal locations.  With a home office in South Florida, I Heart Mac & Cheese offers franchise owner training, marketing support and ongoing development opportunities to ensure each location’s success. I Heart Mac and Cheese has been previously recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine in the Top New Franchises ranking, and most recently in the 2021 Top Food Franchise Ranking: Best of Miscellaneous Quick-Service Restaurants list.