Fazoli's, a Kentucky-based fast casual Italian chain, said Wednesday it is partnering with the TA Restaurant Group to open a new eatery in the Milldale section of Southington late this summer. The Southington restaurant would be the first of four restaurants across the country to debut with the two partners. Two others are planned Oklahoma and Texas. The fourth would open in early 2018 in Michigan.

Ohio-based TA Restaurant Group operates more than 850 restaurants and food outlets at its TA and Petro shopping centers. It is a division of TravelCenters of America LLC, which operates shopping centers across the country. Carl Howard, CEO of Fazoli's, said the openings are part of a move to refresh the Fazoli's brand.