National fast-casual Italian chain to debut in region

TAMPA — Fazoli's, one of the largest fast-casual Italian chains in the country, is expanding to the west coast of Florida, with a location in Tampa.

The company, with more than 200 locations nationwide and one in Florida, in Pensacola, signed an agreement with S.C.S. Hospitality Group for the Tampa location, according to a statement. S.C.S. Hospitality also operates the Pensacola Fazoli's.

"Fazoli's is one of the most sought-after, well-performing franchises available today," says Livingston Chatman with S.C.S. Hospitality Group in the release. "We are very impressed with the controls the company has in place to ensure franchisee success and the level of support they offer. In addition to that solid infrastructure, the food is delicious, the presentation is phenomenal and the attention to detail is like none other."

Fazoli's, with 15 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, currently has nearly 220 open locations in 25 states and more than 34 franchised restaurants in development across the country, the release states.