LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fast-casual chain Fazoli’s opened a new convenience store unit last week, and also broke ground on a new prototype design. 

The latest c-store unit is part of a Kwik Stop in Dubuque, Iowa, owned and operated by P & K Enterprises Inc., which operates two other Fazoli’s in Iowa. Fazoli’s also has c-store restaurants in Colorado, Indiana, West Virginia and Tennessee, with one under construction in central Indiana.

Another franchisee, C&P Italian Restaurant Co., broke ground in Macon, Ga., on a Fazoli’s restaurant that will be the first to use an all-new, stand-alone prototype design. Expected to open next spring, the new design incorporates a distinctive 35-foot tower, improved lighting to make the building more visible at night, prominent placement of the recognizable Fazoli’s tomato logo and a versatile color scheme that gives the brand a fresh, modern image.

At 2,800 square feet with seating for approximately 100, the design can be scaled in size, said John Bernardo, Fazoli’s director of construction and facilities management. New awnings display the logo, illuminated at night with LED lights. “With our new prototype we’re staying ahead of design trends,” he said.

Fazoli’s has opened five franchised units this year and expects to open as many as 12 franchised locations in 2016.