Americans love Fazoli's breadsticks. In fact, they're so popular that the Italian restaurant chain makes more than 100,000,000 every year. This summer, Fazoli's will leverage the passion people have for its breadsticks to help an important national cause. Fazoli's and Feed the Children, a non-profit relief organization, have come together to create the Fazoli's Breadstick Tour, making stops in 15 markets to raise awareness and funds for childhood hunger. The tour officially kicks off in Lexington, KY on June 21 as the Breadstick Express, a customized food truck capable of baking hundreds of breadsticks, rolls into town.

Nearly 12 million American children are at risk of going hungry according to recent relief agency estimates. In each city along the route, volunteers from Feed the Children will hand out breadsticks and flyers in downtown areas, neighborhood parks, and at local events. The goal is to encourage people to make a donation to Feed the Children by stopping by a participating Fazoli's restaurant. In return, Fazoli's will provide them with a coupon for $5 off any Family Meal purchase.


Those who haven't been into Fazoli's recently will notice that things have changed. The restaurant has enhanced its dining room service with fresh new decor, table service, and the use of real plates and forks. These improvements, along with unlimited breadsticks and a fresh new menu, have created a whole new Fazoli's.

Fazoli's uniquely wrapped food truck, covered bumper to bumper in breadsticks, will create buzz traveling along our country's highways and city streets. You'll also be able to follow the tour online. A tab on www.facebook.com/fazolis will update fans on the tour stops. Breadstick Ambassadors, who will be driving the food truck, will also tweet and post pictures on Facebook.

Cathy Hull, Fazoli's Chief Marketing Officer, believes the Fazoli's Breadstick Tour will make the summer of 2012 better for many children. "Fazoli's is a place where families can go to enjoy a meal together," says Hull. "We are committed to helping families who are less fortunate as well. Reaching out and handing a person a breadstick is the simplest way to convey our commitment to childhood hunger."

After the kickoff in Lexington, the Fazoli's Breadstick Tour will head to Dayton. The tour will then go to Indianapolis, Evansville, Paducah, Kansas City, St. Louis, Colorado Springs, Denver, Lincoln, Omaha, Des Moines, Madison, and Green Bay. It will finish up in South Bend on August 14.

Peter Wyatt, Feed the Children's Vice President of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships, is excited about the tour. "In the summer, people don't think about childhood hunger," says Wyatt. "But in fact, this is the time when the need is the greatest because school is out. The Fazoli's Breadstick Tour will raise awareness that the need is great, and at the same time, raise funds."