Fazoli’s Debuts First International Location in Canada
- First international expansion for Fazoli's brand into Canada
- Partnership with experienced franchisee Briwin Restaurants Inc. for 25 new locations
- Planned expansion of 25 units over next nine years shows strong growth potential
- Leverages existing successful relationship with franchisee through Fatburger brand
- None.
Insights
FAT Brands expands Fazoli's internationally with first Canadian location, signaling new growth phase with 25 planned units.
Fazoli's, the Italian fast-casual chain owned by FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT), has marked a significant milestone with its first international expansion into Calgary, Canada. This inaugural location represents the first of 25 planned units across Canada over the next nine years, developed through a partnership with Briwin Restaurants Inc., an established multi-unit Fatburger franchisee in the Canadian market.
This expansion carries strategic significance as it transitions Fazoli's from a purely domestic operation to an international brand after 35 years of U.S. operations. The company currently operates approximately 200 restaurants across 26 states, positioning it as America's largest quick-service Italian chain. The Canadian market entry leverages an existing relationship with a proven operator who has already demonstrated success with another FAT Brands concept in the same territory.
For FAT Brands, which owns 18 restaurant brands and oversees more than 2,300 units worldwide, this expansion aligns with their broader portfolio strategy of growing established concepts into new markets. The company has built a diverse restaurant portfolio spanning fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining segments, creating multiple avenues for international growth.
The expansion timing suggests confidence in Fazoli's concept translating well to the Canadian market, where its combination of fresh Italian offerings at affordable price points could resonate with consumers. Using a proven franchisee to spearhead this international debut minimizes operational risk while providing a foundation for the ambitious nine-year growth plan across the country.
Leading U.S. Italian Chain Opens in Calgary, Jumpstarting Future Growth in Country
LOS ANGELES, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fazoli’s, FAT Brands’ fast and fresh Italian chain, has officially reached a new milestone, the opening of its first international location in Canada in Calgary, Alberta. This marks the first of 25 units set to open across the country over the next nine years in partnership with Briwin Restaurants Inc.
“For over 35 years, we have experienced strong growth domestically, and look forward to this new global chapter,” said Gregg Nettleton, President of Fazoli’s. “Our partner, 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 Fazolis’ locations.”
Since 1988, Fazoli’s has been committed to serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. From unlimited hot breadsticks to freshly prepared pasta entrees, the chain prides itself on serving high-quality menu offerings, all at an affordable price.
For more information, visit Fazolis.com.
About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit fatbrands.com.
About Fazoli's
Fast. Fresh. Italian. Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli's franchises and operates approximately 200 restaurants in 26 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. For more information, visit www.Fazolis.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509
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