I Heart Mac & Cheese: Reinventing Comfort Food with a Customizable Twist

Founded in 2015 by chef Michael Blum, I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that elevates classic comfort food through a modern, customizable dining experience. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, the brand began franchising in 2017 and has since expanded to over 50 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The franchise's menu centers on build-your-own mac and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, allowing customers to choose from a variety of pastas, proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Signature dishes like the “Lobster & White Truffle Mac” appeal to gourmet tastes, while plant-based and gluten-free options address a wide range of dietary preferences.

I Heart Mac & Cheese sets itself apart in the competitive fast-casual landscape through its focus on premium ingredients, extensive customization, and a nostalgic yet contemporary concept.

Training

I Heart Mac and Cheese provides a structured training program designed to ensure franchisees are fully prepared to operate their restaurants effectively. The franchise requires that both the franchisee and one designated manager attend the initial training program, which lasts up to 7 days and includes a mix of classroom and on-the-job training.

1. Initial Training Program: This consists of approximately 20 hours of classroom instruction and 48.5 hours of practical, on-the-job training. Topics covered include training and development guidelines, cleanliness and sanitation, food preparation, customer service, opening/closing procedures, marketing, administration, and accounting.
2. On-Site Opening Support: The franchisor provides approximately 3 days of on-site assistance during the grand opening of the restaurant. This support helps ensure a smooth start and reinforces the initial training by addressing real-time operational issues.
3. Additional Employee Training: Franchisees are responsible for training other employees, but the franchisor may train additional staff upon request for a fee. Updated training materials are provided as they are developed, and these materials must be used exclusively for internal training purposes.
4. Refresher and Ongoing Training: The franchisor may also offer, and sometimes require, additional training programs and refresher courses. These sessions may be held at locations designated by the franchisor, and franchisees are responsible for associated travel and lodging costs.

Territory Protection

I Heart Mac and Cheese grants franchisees a designated territory, but it does not guarantee full territorial protection. While the franchisor agrees not to open another franchise within that area under the same brand, it may still reach customers there through online sales or national marketing.

Franchisees also do not receive exclusive rights against competition from different brands operated by the franchisor.

The franchisor can adjust marketing and distribution strategies that may overlap into a franchisee’s territory. Therefore, although the territory is defined, franchisees may still face competition initiated by the franchisor through indirect channels.