Recognizing the strength of the Seattle-style teriyaki concept and the unmet demand in their community of Connecticut, Ken Schanke and Audrey Poynton are the latest in a long line of multi-brand franchisees investing in the brand this year.
Teriyaki Madness, the Seattle-style Teriyaki Shop, is officially bringing its exalted version of teriyaki to Connecticut following a recent signing with multi-unit Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise owners Ken Schanke and Audrey Poynton alongside their restaurant management group Team Meraki.
Schanke entered the franchising world four years ago with his first Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise location. Since then, he’s opened three more stores in Connecticut. This year, Schanke and Poynton decided it was time to diversify their impressive portfolio and repeat the success they saw with Jersey Mike’s. Like many other multi-brand franchisees before them, they quickly recognized the strength of the Teriyaki Madness model.
“We were one of the pioneers of Jersey Mike’s in the New England region, and we saw how important it was to have a consistently great product that is exciting and community-driven,” he said. “When we learned about Teriyaki Madness, it checked a lot of those same boxes.”
Schanke says he could tell right away that Teriyaki Madness was a fresh, healthy concept with a people-oriented approach to winning customers and a proven franchise model to back it up. “The product is a step above everyone else on the market, from the delicious chicken to the fresh vegetables,” he said. “What we like about the concept and love about franchising is that systems and processes are already in place to help you succeed. Teriyaki Madness clearly had the infrastructure that would allow us to expand.”
Additionally, Schanke says he knew that Connecticut was in serious need of the Teriyaki Madness secret sauce. “You’re not going to find anything else like it around — nothing compares to our quality,” he said. “In Connecticut, we also have the right demographics of younger people who want something new and healthier than the typical fast food options. Also, 80% of the business is take-out — it isn’t a sit down or fine dining restaurant, and the online app is very user-friendly. That really aligns with what people want today.”
Looking ahead, Schanke is excited to one day build out the Teriyaki Madness footprint in Connecticut and establish a beloved restaurant option for diners in his community. He also says he is eager to provide career opportunities for passionate team members and help change the mindset around jobs in the food service space.
The Teriyaki Madness team also has big plans for Connecticut, with room to add more than 25 new shops in the state. Here, and in the rest of the country, the Teriyaki Madness team is looking for qualified, multi-unit or multi-brand franchisees like Schanke to help further expand the brand’s footprint. So far this year, Teriyaki Madness has achieved 91 new units sold among 27 new franchisees, many of which are experienced and multi-brand franchisees in the QSR space.
“We really have been lucky to find a qualified and experienced partner like Ken, and we’re excited to deliver something different to the customers of Connecticut and are eager to build our presence in that part of the country,” said Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness. “The demand for Teriyaki Madness is growing everywhere, and we’re finding potential multi-unit franchisee partners who have experience and are looking to grow their portfolios. The Teriyaki Madness concept can be a perfect addition to established QSR portfolios and we are excited to continue partnering with experienced franchisees everywhere.”
Fast casual Teriyaki Shop franchise Teriyaki Madness is committed to unconditionally satisfying guests by offering delicious, made-to-order, healthy (or not) bowls, apps and sides, prepared with fresh, all-natural ingredients served quickly and at a reasonable price. Guests can enjoy their bowls in the shop, or order through the mobile app for delivery or curbside pickup. Teriyaki Madness has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchises, FastCasual’s Movers and Shakers in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, the Inc. 5000 list for six straight years, and was named the Fastest-Growing Big Restaurant Chain in the United States by Restaurant Business in 2021. Founded in 2003, the brand currently has more than 120 shops open, with franchising opportunities nationwide for qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit www.franchise.teriyakimadness.com.
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