Italian quick-service chain plans to return to Utah with 5 new locations

SALT LAKE CITY – The country's largest fast-food Italian restaurant chain is reaching Utah again.

California-based Fat Brands announced last week that it plans to open five new Fazoli's locations on the Wasatch Front over the next five years, starting with a location in Saratoga Springs in 2025.

“We’re excited to bring our beloved breadsticks back to the state,” Fat Brand Chief Development Officer Taylor Wiederhorn said in a statement.

Founded in Kentucky in 1988, Fazoli's offers pasta, pizza, sub sandwiches, breadsticks, salads and desserts. There are now over 200 restaurants in 26 states, making it the largest quick-service restaurant chain of its kind in the United States

It was also present in Utah for some time starting in the late 90s, gaining a cult following that lasted until the early 2000s. For example, in a 2003 review of a St. George location, a Dixie Sun News student called it a “cheap, tasty eatery.”

However, Fazoli's run in Utah ultimately failed. Most of its locations are now in the Southeast and Midwest, having changed hands several times over its 36-year history.

Since Fat Brands took over the brand three years ago, it has been making a Western comeback. The five new stores in Utah will join five operating locations in Colorado, three in Arizona and one in California.

“Since acquiring Fazoli's in 2021, we have been committed to strategically expanding the brand, particularly driving its return to areas with loyal followings such as Utah,” Wiederhorn said, adding that the four other locations will also be in Salt Lake and Utah Counties.

The company's announcement comes at a time when Italian restaurant chains have encountered some problems in Utah this year alone.

Full-service restaurant chain Buca di Beppo closed its only two Utah locations in July due to corporate difficulties. By The Bucket, a fast-casual chain, also closed its only Utah location — at 2100 South in Salt Lake City — over the summer.

Fat Brands is no stranger to the Utah market. It owns several other brands with a presence in the Beehive State, including Johnny Rockets, Pretzelmaker and Hot Dog on a Stick. It also owns Fatburger and Round Table Pizza, both of which are set to expand into Utah starting next year, the company announced in July.