It's official: Fazoli's is returning to Arizona. Here's what we know so far

UPDATE: Fazoli's reveals its first Phoenix location. Here's where

Unlimited breadsticks are coming to the Valley this fall as Fazoli's returns to metro Phoenix.

The fast-casual Italian brand started in Lexington, Kentucky, plans to open nine restaurants throughout the metro area by the end of 2024 with the first location scheduled to open in fall 2022.

The company posted an image to its social media sites with a hot air balloon dropping down a restaurant just past the Arizona state line.

"It's clear to us that your love for Fast, Fresh, Italian is deeper than the Grand Canyon, which is why we're thrilled to inform you that Fazoli's is headed to Phoenix!" the post read.

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How many locations does Fazoli's have?

Fazoli's operates more than 200 restaurants in 27 states, where it serves pizza, pasta, sub sandwiches, desserts and, of course, the beloved breadsticks.

Fazoli's currently operates more than 200 locations in 26 state, however the dozen locations in Phoenix closed in 2008.
Fazoli's currently operates more than 200 locations in 26 state, however the dozen locations in Phoenix closed in 2008.

Fazoli's is being brought to the Valley by Kind Hospitality, a familiar name in Phoenix restaurants. President and CEO Nava Singam runs many franchises of national and local brands including locations of Panera Bread, Macayo's Mexican Food and O.H.S.O. Brewery, which he is expanding to Surprise this year.

According to a release, Singam first tried Fazoli's while living in Flagstaff in the late 1990s. Now, many years after Fazoli's closed its Arizona locations, Singam is bringing back the brand he loved.

"As a Fazoli’s fan myself, I’m confident that it will quickly become a huge hit amongst locals and visitors alike once again."

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Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fazoli's Italian restaurant returns to metro Phoenix. What we know