Fazoli’s Online Orders Skyrocket 295%
In 2020 Fazoli’s implemented a guest-focused off-premise strategy and created popular family meal packages that delivered on value, both of which attributed to Fazoli’s unprecedented digital sales growth of 560.7% in delivery sales and 295.4% in online order sales, according to the company.
Winging It
In addition to adding curbside, Fazoli’s has joined the growing number of restaurants that have launched wing brands. Brands including Brinker International, and Chuck E. Cheese, and Nathan’s Famous have launched virtual wing brands in recent months, as Americans are eating more comfort food at home during the pandemic.
Fazoli’s is in the process of rolling out wings out systemwide as part of its core menu. In September tests of its virtual wing concept, Wingville, showed nearly an 11% increase in sales at select locations, Nearly a quarter of operators opted to launch wings ahead of the planned 2021 system rollout. On the heels of opening its first ghost kitchen last year, Fazoli’s plans to explore other virtual kitchen and virtual concept opportunities.
Demand for Drive-Thru
New 1,700- and 2,500-square-foot prototypes with a double drive-thru are also in the works for 2021 to cater to prospective franchisees looking for additional off-premise options.
Consumer demand for drive-thru has spurred QSR and fast casual brands to revisit their store development plans, adding drive-thrus and contactless pickup options to their new designs.
Chipotle, El Pollo Loco, Shake Shack, Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, Taco Bell, and McDonalds are among the brands touting new designs for drive-thrus and digital pickup lanes
The Italian QSR began delivering complimentary breadsticks to guests waiting in the drive-thru so they did not miss out on one of the hallmarks of dining in at Fazoli’s. The brand claims “record low drive-thru service times” after utilizing drive-thru timers and adjusting oven temps and airflow, all without compromising on quality.