As part of its strategy to grow stores through franchising, Lexington-based Fazoli's has hired a vice president of franchising.

James Franks has been in the franchising business for 22 years, the company said in a news release. His most recent stint was with Red Mango's, a frozen yogurt chain, and before that, he was with the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins.

"With his hiring, all the pieces for ... growth are now in place," CEO Carl Howard said in a statement.

Franks intends to soon launch a new franchising Web site for Fazoli's and create a list of markets where the chain can grow.