Fazoli’s

Traveling 300 days a year I’ve driven by Fazoli’s an endless number of times. Most of my Southern friends have told me the food is subpar here so I’d avoided it. Meanwhile, after staying four nights in Cookeville, we opted to give this place a chance and likely wouldn’t return. In our view the flavor doesn’t rival the great value.
To us, Olive Garden is average, at best, and down the street, of course. If that statement is true, Fazoli’s is below average. Meanwhile, for those looking for value, quick turnaround and fast-​food style Italian, you’ll think this place is ok. However, if it’s real Italian and fresh homemade entrees you’re after, be prepared to be disappointed.
While the pizza rivals gas station pizza, the salads are edible and well priced. I tried the Italian House Salad and it wasn’t bad. Don’t expect homemade dressing, however. This is like McDonald’s and comes prepacked. All of their salads are fine, for fast food style restaurants, but for example, the salads at Chick-​fil-​A down the street are superior.
My advice would be to keep it simple. The spaghetti and meatballs with meat sauce is fair and close to something you’d order at Olive Garden (by the way, I don’t believe Olive Garden is quality food, rather something nearby to compare it to). The Twice Baked Lasagna we ordered wasn’t very good. If you’re going to come here stick with the pasta dishes. They’ll come out quick, taste fair and keep enough money in your pocket for a better meal down the road.

My last experience here was horrible. 9 dollars or something for an awful meal (except the breadsticks which were yummy as usual. I’ll give it 2 stars instead of one for being so good in the past at other locations.

Drive thru slow at lunch. Employee very nice. Threw in extra bread for the «wait». Low calorie pasta serving was about the size of a frozen dinner. Ordered chicken mushroom alfredo. Served on bowtie pasta. Cheese was imitation and low quality. Since I make everything at home, I know now that I will and can make an alfredo that is richer and better. Oh, well. There are much better options in the area.