With latest update, countdown continues for Fazoli's return to Tallahassee

The anticipation behind Fazoli’s expected return to Tallahassee has reached a legendary inside-joke status in the city's message groups devoted to dining and food lovers.

That's because, almost any given day, someone asks, “What’s going on with Fazoli’s?”

And then the comments pour in.

Now, owner Steve Wilkens has an update.

"Today we had concurrency issued, site plan approved, environmental permit issued, & filed our final permit for the building," he said in a Facebook post on March 14. Wilkens, however, has not responded to multiple messages from the Tallahassee Democrat regarding that post, seeking more information.

According to a previous interview with Wilkens in June, the opening timeframe depends on "permitting and the building process."

But the bottom line is this: Fazoli's is another step closer to opening, and people can almost taste the breadsticks.

Comments under the newest update post were flooded with excitement and great relief. One user commented; "OMG best news!!! Yay can’t wait!!"

The joke continues with the comment: "Guaranteed to get a 'can someone please tell me what’s up with Fazoli’s' on the foodies page."

The rumors of a new Fazoli's, an Italian food chain under FAT Brands, started in 2022. For almost two years now, Wilkens has put out fires that follow anytime the word Fazoli's is posted in one of the social groups.

The new location is slated to open in the Mahan Village Shopping Plaza, 3122 Mahan Drive.

Fazoli's previously operated in Tallahassee before closing locations on West Tennessee Street and Capital Circle Northeast more than 10 years ago.

Kyla Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: New update on Fazoli's return to Tallahassee has foodies relieved