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Macaroni and cheese chain just opened its first Sacramento location. Here’s where

Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese is among the menu options at I Heart Mac & Cheese, which is opening its first Sacramento location in February.
Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese is among the menu options at I Heart Mac & Cheese, which is opening its first Sacramento location in February.

Attention all cheese lovers: There’s now be a place in Sacramento to unapologetically indulge in rich ooey-gooeyness.

The Florida-based I Heart Mac & Cheese chain open its first Sacramento location on Monday at 1631 K St. in midtown, according to a news release.

It will be the first spot in the region and the fifth site in Northern California.

Other California locations are scattered across San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno, Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

A Turlock site was added to a growing list of more than 50 U.S. locations last summer.

The Lobster Bowl is among the menu options at I Heart Mac & Cheese, which is opening its first Sacramento restaurant in February 2024.
The Lobster Bowl is among the menu options at I Heart Mac & Cheese, which is opening its first Sacramento restaurant in February 2024. Eduardo Rangel Photography

What’s on the I Heart Mac & Cheese menu?

The fast-casual chain cooks up made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls — hence the name — but also grilled cheese sandwiches, flatbread pizza, fried finger food, soup, cheesy vegetables and desserts, according to the news release.

Vegan, gluten-free and plant-based options are also available.

The Sacramento site is owned by Sacramento entrepreneur Amritpal Saini, the news release states. He’s owned restaurants in the past but this will be his first franchise.

The food menu is packed with intentionally cheesy meals including macaroni and cheese with lobster and white truffle, grilled cheese sandwiches assembled with macaroni and cheese, and fried macaroni and cheese bites, according to the chain’s website.

The Best of Both Worlds grilled cheese sandwich on the menu at I Heart Mac & Cheese features slow-cooked short rib, macaroni, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce. The popular restaurant chain is opening its first Sacramento location in February 2024.
The Best of Both Worlds grilled cheese sandwich on the menu at I Heart Mac & Cheese features slow-cooked short rib, macaroni, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce. The popular restaurant chain is opening its first Sacramento location in February 2024.

Dressing options include sesame ginger, mango habanero, vegan and dairy-free cheese sauce, marinara, buffalo, barbecue and pesto.

Also on the list: bite-sized cheesecake balls, crispy rice puffs held together by marshmallows and mini chocolate chip cookies.

Menu options at I Heart Mac & Cheese include the Vegan Melt Grilled Cheese sandwich, which features sourdough bread, a Beyond Burger patty, vegan cheese, onions, tomatoes and vegan cheese sauce. The popular restaurant chain is opening its first Sacramento location in February 2024.
Menu options at I Heart Mac & Cheese include the Vegan Melt Grilled Cheese sandwich, which features sourdough bread, a Beyond Burger patty, vegan cheese, onions, tomatoes and vegan cheese sauce. The popular restaurant chain is opening its first Sacramento location in February 2024. Courtesy of I Heart Mac & Cheese

When is Sacramento restaurant open?

The Sacramento location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

This story was originally published January 17, 2024 at 10:34 AM.

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