By Jodi Schwan

After literally years of looking for a franchisee and then a location in Sioux Falls, fast-casual Italian chain Fazoli’s opens at 10:30 a.m.  Aug. 1.

It’s on the end of a new strip mall next to the parking lot of The Empire Mall on property that years ago was a TGI Friday’s.

“It’s coming together well, and we’re excited to bring this to Sioux Falls,” general manager Christina Thoms said.

If you’ve never eaten at a Fazoli’s, here are three things you need to know:

1. They’re known for their breadsticks. For good reason. Be warned, if you like breadsticks you’re likely going to love this next part: Eat in the dining room, and breadsticks are unlimited. “Everyone says they come in for our breadsticks,” Thoms agreed.
2. There’s a broad menu, including salads and subs plus, of course, pizza and pastas. The baked pastas are among the most popular items, Thomes said. Those include baked spaghetti, twice-baked lasagna and three-cheese tortellini alfredo.
3. There are some good deals, including pick-two lunch combos starting at $5 with options that include pizza, half-pastas and small salads and also include a drink.

The restaurant has had luck hiring, Thoms said, but is still adding people.

“We could definitely use some more,” she said. “I kind of paused on hiring to get through opening, but I’m back to calling people.”

Fazoli’s hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.