Fazoli’s Debuts in Canada

Fazoli’s (Lexington, Ky.) has opened its inaugural restaurant in Canada, in Calgary, Alb. This is the first move outside the U.S. by the pasta-pizza-and-breadsticks chain, which plans up to 25 total locales in Canada.

The brand was founded in 1988, and has undergone several ownership changes since then, most recently becoming part of Los Angeles-based FAT Brands in 2021.

“For over 35 years, we have experienced strong growth domestically, and look forward to this new global chapter,” said Fazoli’s President Gregg Nettleton. “Our franchise partner in this deal, Alberta-based Briwin Restaurants Inc., has also seen great success within this market as a multi-unit Fatburger franchisee, which is a great precursor of the potential we anticipate with our Canadian locations.”

In addition to the 200 Fazoli’s locations, FAT Brands operates 17 other restaurant chains, including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses. In all, it franchises and owns more than 2300 units worldwide.