Austin, Texas-based restaurant operator and franchiser Fired Up Inc. has signed a major agreement with Zenzations for the development of Johnny Carino’s Country Italian restaurants in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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Michael Olander, president of Zenzations, currently owns and operates 66 Applebee’s restaurants and six Burger Kings in North Carolina, California, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Michael has been an Applebee’s franchisee since 1984 and is the 26th largest franchise operator in the US.


Norman Abdallah, Co-CEO and president of Fired Up Inc, said: “Michael and his team are experienced operators and developers, and we are thrilled to welcome them as our partners.”


Olander added: “I am excited to be joining the Johnny Carino’s team and I am looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship. Johnny Carino’s provides its guests great food at a very reasonable price in a comfortable environment. It has broad appeal and I know it will be a big success in North and South Carolina and Virginia.”

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