I Heart Mac & Cheese to Open 23 Long Island Locations

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a build-your-own mac and cheese chain, has announced it will open 23 locations on Long Island.

The chain, which opened its first Long Island store in Patchogue in January, said it will open nine stores in the first three years, with three opening this year.

The locations have yet to be determined.

"This agreement is monumental for the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand and we believe we have found the perfect partners to build our presence in New York, with Manor 3," said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and chairman. "While our concept is perfect for any aspiring entrepreneur, not requiring restaurant-specific experience, the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned restaurant franchise owners with built-in local connections will let us deliver an exceptional experience to a new base of customers."

Specializing in custom, build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, the Florida-based company recently rolled out new resolution - friendly options with quinoa, cauliflower rice and broccoli florets bowl bases.

Diners select a pasta, bread, or salad base along with seven different proteins, vegetables, and cheeses. Gluten-free options are also available. In addition to customized options, the menu contains specialty chef items including baked chicken parmesan, baked meatball parmesan, the Cuban, pepperoni pizza, and lobster & white truffle mac, among others. Side dishes include cheesy broccoli, balsamic tomatoes and tomato soup; desserts include mini chocolate chip cookies, brownies, marshmallow treats and caramel cookies.

Manor 3 is led by restaurant franchise operator Vinny Greco and his partner, Dan Dollard. Greco spent 25 years as the assistant equipment manager with the New York Mets before transitioning his career into the restaurant industry. For the past decade, he has owned and operated two Hurricane Grill and Wings locations on Long Island.

"I'm excited to join the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand and introduce this concept to the Long Island area," Greco said. "I am incredibly passionate about the restaurant business and especially enjoy helping create remarkable experiences for my guests. I feel I Heart Mac & Cheese is the next great franchise concept – one that will help me do just that – and I look forward to being part of the family."