A Chain That Is Basically Chipotle-but-for-Mac-and-Cheese Is Coming to Denver - Eater Denver

"A Florida-based chain specializing in customizable bowls of macaroni and cheese is diving into Denver. On Thursday, I Heart Mac & Cheese announced via a press release that it has reached an agreement with a franchisor that will bring three locations of the chain to the Denver area. Those restaurants will be located in downtown Denver, Stapleton, and Boulder with two of the locations set to open next year and a third in 2021. However, the press release did not specify which locations will open when. I Heart Mac & Cheese applies a Chipotle-style model of service to macaroni and cheese by letting customers choose a base (there’s traditional macaroni but also broccoli, cauliflower, quinoa, bread, and even tater tots) and then from various cheeses, proteins, vegetables, and sauces that are added to customize the bowl. After that, each bowl is cooked in an ov until the cheese is gooey and melted. In addition to the customizable bowls, the restaurants also offer grilled cheeses and specialty options, including a lobster and white truffle macaroni and cheese and The Cuban bowl, a mashup of mac and cheese and a Cuban sandwich containing pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Customers can also pair their bowl with tomato soup while those seeking even more calories can order fresh chocolate chip cookies and marshmallow treats for dessert. I Heart Mac and Cheese currently has nine locations in the eastern US. Stay tuned for the ETA and chosen locations for the chain’s new Denver and Boulder restaurants." - Paul Albani-Burgio