1851

<a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=after-years-with-the-company-this-lifelong-restaurant-enthusiast-transitioned-into-an-ownership-role-with-mooyah-2721920" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a>, the nearly-100-unit&nbsp;ridiculicious, fast-casual “best burger” concept, has developed a strong following of Guests, Team Members and Franchise Owners who are increasingly passionate about the restaurant and its mission. Josh Lovett, now-owner of the Knoxville&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mooyah">MOOYAH</a> location, is a prime example of the success and satisfaction this enthusiasm, alongside a commitment to growth, can create.“I got involved with MOOYAH about 10 years ago when it opened in Knoxville,” Lovett said. “I was hired by one of the former partners who owned the Knoxville location to be a field operator, meaning I’d come in to check on paperwork, operations and cleanliness.”However, his first role with MOOYAH was in no way his first introduction to the industry. Lovett worked in restaurants his whole life, and he and his wife, Kara, previously owned a mom-and-pop restaurant.&nbsp;After selling that restaurant, Lovett knew he was interested in ownership again at some point. He grew in his role with the previous owner of the Knoxville location, focused his attention on MOOYAH and eventually became the face of the store.&nbsp;Both Lovett and the previous owners were in agreement that he would soon take over, and that transition began in mid-2020.“I learned more and more about franchising after joining the MOOYAH team a few years back, and I grew to really love the concept behind it. When you have a ma-and-pop restaurant, you have no support,” he explained. “It’s good to have a corporate team to provide support from a marketing, food supply and pricing standpoint so you know you’re not alone. The support structure is extremely valuable. Instead of having to create the structure myself, there’s already a proven business model in place with MOOYAH.”Lovett became the sole owner of the location in December 2020, and he says he’s proud to continue growing the MOOYAH name in his very own community. With operations thriving, Lovett has grown to be the top-performing owner in the entire franchise system and was recognized as Single Unit Franchisee of the Year in 2022.“Being recognized as ‘Franchisee of the Year’ has been a tremendous honor. I’m over the moon about this award,” he said. “I truly believe in the MOOYAH system and have spent the last few years putting my all into this brand and dedicating myself to serving our Guests in Knoxville. I’m proud to be part of a franchise that rewards its team for hard work and impact.”“Josh has been a vital part of this franchise system. His commitment to MOOYAH is shown every single day, and the brand is excited to recognize him with this award,” explained&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwillmarth/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=after-years-with-the-company-this-lifelong-restaurant-enthusiast-transitioned-into-an-ownership-role-with-mooyah-2721920" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Doug Willmarth</a>, President. “As our company continues to scale and grow, it’s very important to us that we highlight the members of this organization who have made that possible.”The investment to develop a MOOYAH ranges from $477,918 to $989,793. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=after-years-with-the-company-this-lifelong-restaurant-enthusiast-transitioned-into-an-ownership-role-with-mooyah-2721920" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.mooyah.com/.</a>&nbsp;ABOUT MOOYAH BURGERS FRIES &amp; SHAKES&nbsp;MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes is where “serious” and “fun” are one with the bun. The&nbsp;ridiculicious, fast-casual “best burger” concept is committed to providing the best tasting burger experience possible by specializing in the taste trifecta – mouthwatering made-to-order burgers, hand-cut French fries and real ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, MOOYAH is obsessed with quality, serving fresh, never-frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef®&nbsp;brand burgers, all-natural turkey burgers and plant-based vegan burgers. MOOYAH’s signature buns are baked in-house daily, and guests can choose from five real cheeses, bacon, avocado and 17 free sauces and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies. MOOYAH also hand-spins 100% real ice cream shakes and offers eight flavors including vanilla, Hershey’s chocolate, Reese’s, Oreo and more. MOOYAH serves guests through dine-in, online ordering, delivery and carryout, as well as its loyalty app.&nbsp;

After Years with the Company, This Lifelong Restaurant Enthusiast Transitioned into an Ownership Role with MOOYAH

1851 Franchise

After about 10 years in an operations role, Josh Lovett purchased the Knoxville MOOYAH location. Now, it is the brand’s top-performing store.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

after-years-with-the-company-this-lifelong-restaurant-enthusiast-transitioned-into-an-ownership-role-with-mooyah

Fresh Coat

Photo of Jeff and Jenn Berry standing in front of their Fresh Coat Painters vehicle

After Health Concerns Pushed Jeff Berry to a New Opportunity, He Earned Fresh Coat Rookie of the Year in Year One

fresh-coat-franchise-jeff-berry-rookie-of-the-year

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts Leadership Team Brings Over 70 Years of Experience to the Table

Pigtails & Crewcuts Leadership Team Brings Over 70 Years of Franchise and Child-Focused Industry Experience to the Table

pigtails-crewcuts-leadership-team-brings-over-70-years-of-franchise-and-child-focused-industry-experience-to-the-table

Dog Training Elite

How Dog Training Elite Helps Individuals With Mental Health Challenges

Training Support That Makes a Difference: How Dog Training Elite Helps Individuals With Mental Health Challenges

training-support-that-makes-a-difference-how-dog-training-elite-helps-individuals-with-mental-health-challenges

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Turn Your Passion for Helping Others Into a Profitable Business With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

turn-your-passion-for-helping-others-into-a-profitable-business-with-trublue-home-service-ally-franchise

Right at Home

Right at Home - What To Expect at Right at Home's Discovery Day - 1851 Franchise

What To Expect When Attending Right at Home’s Discovery Day

right-at-home-discovery-day-what-to-expect

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

McDonald’s To Hire 375,000 Workers as It Prepares for Major U.S. Expansion

mcdonalds-to-hire-375000-workers-as-it-prepares-for-major-us-expansion

Subway Pushes Global Growth Despite U.S. Closures 

subway-pushes-global-growth-despite-us-closures

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Set-Up Your Digital Marketing

how-to-set-up-digital-marketing-for-your-franchise-brand

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Build Effective Drip Campaigns for Lead Nurturing

how-franchisors-can-build-effective-drip-campaigns-for-lead-nurturing

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

how-to-position-your-value-proposition-with-a-point-of-differentiation

How To Build Item 19 - Selling Franchises - FDD - 1851 Franchise

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Build a Marketable Item 19

how-franchisors-can-build-a-marketable-item-19

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Steve & Mia Kim & Paris Baguette logo

After Falling in Love with Paris Baguette, This North Carolina Couple Decided To Open One of Their Own

paris-baguette-franchise-charlotte-nc

The Top 20 Cleaning Franchises to Invest in for 2025

top-cleaning-franchises-to-invest-in

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

top-handyman-franchises-to-invest-in

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

After Years with the Company, This Lifelong Restaurant Enthusiast Transitioned into an Ownership Role with MOOYAH

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS