![\"Kayla](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_usatoday_us_articles_590\/e59dfaa6d3791228b362d510c3d81fc8.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nAfter years of waiting and praying, local Fazoli’s enthusiasts can finally taste those buttery breadsticks again. The dream of indulging in endless Alfredo, lasagna and all the Italian comfort classics has officially been granted.<\/p>\n
By 10 a.m. on May 19 Fazoli’s diners were already flocking to the new and improved Fazoli’s building which sits on 3122 Mahan Drive, Suite 1000, right next door to Academy Sports + Outdoors store in the Mahan Village Shopping Plaza home to Publix Supermarket, and other eateries.<\/p>\n
Franchise owner Steve Wilkens said he was feeling “good,” and a little anxious, as he hustled around the store ironing out a few details ahead of the rush they anticipated.<\/p>\n
Some guests slipped in a few minutes before the official 10:30 a.m. opening, including Sheryl Spencer who was determined to bring the prized breadsticks home to her daughter as a gift for her 41st birthday.<\/p>\n
“I’m very happy to see that it’s back open,” Spencer said as she clutched Fazoli’s to-go bags stuffed with breadsticks, baked ziti, Alfredo and cheesecake for the family to share. “After every softball game and practice we would go to Fazolis with her coach, and since it’s her birthday I came by to get breadsticks and lunch for her.”<\/p>\n
Despite the brand new double-drive thru lane \u2014 the first in the franchise’s 40 year history \u2014 a majority of customers from the morning wave found their way inside to the bright, modern decorated store. As guests make their way inside you can see the patio seating perfect for a quick lunch.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Kayla Walton, an employee at Fazoli\u2019s, serves a customer pasta a plate of spaghetti and fettuccine Alfredo to customer Tuesday, May 19, 2026.<\/p>\n
Inside, wooden tables sit in the middle and booths line the store with green plush cushions and red wall accents lining the bottom half of the interior, adding a pop of color to the space along with the posters of some of ingredients used to make some of the beloved dishes.<\/p>\n
A chorus of “Welcome to Fazoli’s” from staff rings throughout the store as guests enter. Kiosks stand on the side for quick ordering, but you can also go to the service counter where a team member is dressed in all black and ready to help. Once you order you can find your way to your seat. A server will bring breadsticks along with your dish, asking if you want some freshly grated cheese sprinkled on top to finish it off.<\/p>\n
“We are back and we are ready,” general manager Theresa Gary told the Tallahassee Democrat.<\/p>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_usatoday_us_articles_590\/40548ba2483bc4ac2f99ed9f4db6e909.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Two baked chicken parms and four hot breadsticks are plated to be served to a Fazoli\u2019s customer Tuesday, May 19, 2026.<\/p>\n
Like many others, Gary says she’s excited for the reintroduction of Fazoli’s to the Tallahassee market, but for her its a fresh start.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been doing this since I was 16,” she said about being in the food industry. “Now I’m 44. I was a general manager at Hardee’s for 10 years.”<\/p>\n
Fazoli’s, she said, offers a new adventure Gary’s ready to embark on, honored that Wilkens “entrusted” her with the store.<\/p>\n
“The way that we cook the food is different. The menu is simple, but it’s more hearty and it’s more fulfilling. Burgers and fries, you digest it quicker and it’s gone. But this is wholesome food,” she says on what makes Fazoli’s special.<\/p>\n
![\"Fazoli\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_usatoday_us_articles_590\/060bb483a710c3614192d003c7109c88.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Fazoli\u2019s general manager Theresa Gary assists an employee with a customer as they place an order Tuesday, May 19, 2026.<\/p>\n
For weeks they’ve been training staff to prepare them for the rush to come. Her biggest goal is to keep staff encouraged as they navigate the excited crowds, including guest Douglas Klotter.<\/p>\n
“It was excellent, just like the old days. I missed it,” Klotter said, pushing aside his clean, happy plate of spaghetti and marinara. A meal he describes as an “easy favorite.” He plans to return soon and work his way through the rest of the menu.<\/p>\n
![\"Fazoli\u2019s,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_usatoday_us_articles_590\/83e741f3c2955ffb403b9641445d99c3.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Fazoli\u2019s, a fast food Italian restaurant, has finally opened in Tallahassee after years of anticipation Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The restaurant features a double drive thru as well as large menu.<\/p>\n
If you go<\/p>\n
What: Fazoli’s<\/p>\n
Where: 3122 Mahan Drive, Suite 1000<\/p>\n
When: 10:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday; 10:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday<\/p>\n
This article includes previously reported information from the archives.\u00a0Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know\u00a0at\u00a0ksanford@tallahassee.com.<\/a>\u00a0You can also email your suggestions for a future\u00a0TLH Eats<\/a>\u00a0restaurant profile.<\/p>\n