YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Community involvement isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a franchised company. But Fazwest Group, which owns three Fazoli’s franchises west of the Mississippi, uses a large portion of its allotted advertising dollars to support local charities in the communities in which they operate.
“Finding ways to partner with local non-profit organizations to promote their services, give them exposure, as well as to fundraise, and donating small tokens for endless numbers of requests from schools, churches, and clubs is just our way of life.” says Donna Jacobsen, owner and Administrator of Fazwest Group. “Fazoli’s offers two options for fundraiser programs for non-profit groups and also a superb value catering program. Our philosophy is that even if we are unable to give big monetary donations, we most definitely can give support in other ways.”
Fazwest Group/Fazoli’s was recently awarded the 2018 Communitarian Corporate Citizenship Award at the Southwest Missouri Nonprofit Excellence Awards presented by Drury University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership. The company was chosen from a field of 175 nominees.
“We’ve raised two daughters here in Springfield and know the importance of contributing to the vitality of our region,” says Donna Jacobsen. “We’ve been through numerous changes with the Fazoli’s brand but one thing has remained constant and that is keeping our business base locally owned and invested. Fazoli’s is a great brand providing made-to-order food with quality ingredients,” she says. “We are pleased to continue being long-term franchisees of the company where we’ve become like family with many across the nation on the brand team.”
Larry Graham established Fazwest Group in 1995, as the sole owner, before entering into a partnership that continues today with James and Donna Jacobsen. James was first hired in 1995 as a manager and Donna in 1996 as a part-time bookkeeper. James is now President and Director of Operations while Donna is Administrator, handling all things accounting, insurance, and benefits. Mr. Graham is retired but still involved with financial oversight and advisement. Mr. Jacobsen was elected and serves on the national Fazoli’s Franchisee Association Board.
James (Jamie) Jacobsen’s original area of expertise was in the culinary field as an executive chef and manager for over 10 years. “I was looking for something different and Fazoli’s allowed for more family time while still providing comfortably. While growing up, our daughters were often along for Fazoli’s events. Our daughters came up with our local Faz Fun Birthday Club for kids and keep that database going. We have guests who grew up in the birthday club and now have their own children enrolled! We love that,” Jamie says with a smile.
Fazwest has partnered with Crosslines in Springfield for 20 years and Crosslines in Joplin for 5 years. The company also supports the annual Purple Party and iCare events for Harmony House and raises funds and shares agency awareness of Springfield’s Isabel’s House and Joplin’s Children’s Center during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Recently, Fazwest also supported Care to Learn and the Boys & Girls Clubs.
As of its twentieth anniversary in 2015, Fazoli’s franchisees in southwest Missouri had contributed to over 45 area nonprofit agencies in addition to numerous churches, colleges, public and private schools, and sports programs.
“We strive to provide long-term relational support and provide awareness to the public about various crucial services available,” says Jacobsen. “We couldn’t support the community the way we do without our great staff executing the various partnership events we’ve participated in throughout the years. The relationships we’ve made and the knowledge we’ve gained have truly been a gift.”
Phone: 417-831-8299
Fax: 417-429-4956
Website: fazolis.com
Email: fazolis@fazwest.com
Top Executives:
James Jacobsen, President and Director of Operations (Partner)
Donna Jacobsen, Business and Accounting Administrator (Partner)
Larry Graham, Owner/Partner
Restaurant locations:
2137 N. Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO
2055 E. Independence St, Springfield, MO
4027 Richard Joseph Blvd, Joplin, MO
Year Founded:
Corporate Fazoli’s brand established in 1988
Fazwest Group, LLC established in 1995
Number of Employees: 90 employees
Fazoli’s Mission: To Serve America premium quality Italian food, fast, fresh & friendly.
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