I Heart Mac & Cheese established its first international location in Richmond Hills, Ontario, Canada, according to a press release.
The new franchise agreement was signed and is set to be owned/operated by franchisee Hirad Sorkhab.
"We're pleased and honored to be the first franchisees to bring this new and tasty concept north of the border," Sorkhab said. "Canadians love mac and cheese just like they love their poutine. It's comfort food for many up here being that it's so cold most of the year and with many ways to dress it up it's a no-brainer!"
Established in 2016, the Boca Raton, Florida-based company is led by CEO Steve Giordanella.
"We're thrilled that I Heart Mac & Cheese has reached this tremendous step of signing an agreement for our first international location. This milestone reinforces the fact of how quickly we are growing. We began franchising in 2019 in South Florida and now we are going international. This is monumental for us," Giordanella said. "Ontario's diverse and outstanding culinary scene is the perfect backdrop for our restaurant. We are delighted to bring our award-winning Mac & Cheese to guests in Canada."
The company also secured agreements in more than twenty new states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maryland, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
The concept was created to offer customizable macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. The success of the menu is quickly being adopted in a growing number of locations, with the company reporting a total of 47 signed franchise agreements in 2021, and actively pursuing further expansion opportunities this year.