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In its 20th year of business, <a href="https://franchise.chebahut.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=cheba-huts-investment-in-company-owned-stores-is-powering-its-next-round-of-sub-sandwich-franchise-growth-2707947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cheba Hut</a> continues to stand out in the fast-casual restaurant franchise sector by imbuing the brand&rsquo;s culture into the back end of the business just as much as the front end.

Toasted subs and local beers in a fun, eclectic atmosphere has always been a draw for <a href="https://1851franchise.com/chebahut" target="_blank">Cheba Hut</a> customers, but it was evident to the brand&rsquo;s corporate team that taking Cheba Hut further forward required leadership to become more involved in the everyday workings of the franchise. By changing its development focus to investing in company-owned stores, Cheba Hut has been able to establish the systems and structure capable of keeping brand culture at the forefront and is diving back into franchise development reinvigorated.

&ldquo;The first big move we made in developing company-owned stores was bringing on a director of operations named Cody Edgin,&rdquo; Cheba Hut COO Marc Torres said. &ldquo;His previous experience growing company stores helped us figure out how to dial in on in-store operations and develop programs like our delivery, catering and bar services. [Edgin has] been innovative in terms of training, store procedures and streamlining processes across the board,&rdquo; Torres added.

Establishing this system has paid huge dividends for Cheba Hut in franchisee relations, Torres noted. The brand tests all new programs, products and LTOs through company-owned stores before taking it to the franchise community, which Torres pointed out as a substantial differentiator.

&ldquo;There&rsquo;s an advantage to having skin in the game,&rdquo; Torres said. &ldquo;We have real life intel from stores on a daily basis which we take very seriously. This has helped franchisees gain confidence in the brand when they know the decisions being made impact us personally as well,&rdquo; he added.

Cheba Hut also uses staff from its company-owned stores in its training process for new store openings to impart the importance of maintaining the brand&rsquo;s culture upon new employees. &ldquo;Pulling trainers from those stores directly helps new employees and managers understand the experience we provide customers and ensures each new store opens with that culture in place,&rdquo; Torres said, &ldquo;which is very important because the initial team hired on sets the tone of a location for years.&rdquo;

As Cheba Hut looks toward the future with franchise growth, the corporate team has plans for development, too. &ldquo;One of the reasons I&rsquo;m most excited for our impending growth is because we will be able to continue focusing on building out our team,&rdquo; Torres said. &ldquo;With our strong company culture, we don&rsquo;t see a lot of turnover, so this gives us the opportunity to develop with people who can offset our beliefs and introduce new perspectives at every level,&rdquo; he added. 

The brand&rsquo;s mantra of embracing the counterculture is evident in its business practices, making the franchise one that promotes individuality and gives franchisees a voice in their own stores. &ldquo;Our founder, Scott [Jennings], always says that with Cheba Hut&rsquo;s marijuana theme, we&rsquo;ve been paddling out for 20 years and we&rsquo;re now ahead of the curve with the &lsquo;green wave&rsquo; sweeping the nation,&rdquo; Torres said.

&ldquo;We want that same emphasis on staying ahead of the growth on the franchise side of things. By taking the time to refine practices in company-owned stores, we&rsquo;ve given ourselves the space and time with the development of our support systems to understand exactly what is necessary to prepare every franchise for success,&rdquo; Torres said.

Cheba Hut’s Investment in Company-Owned Stores is Powering its Next Round of Sub Sandwich Franchise Growth 

1851 Franchise

The marijuana-themed sandwich shop’s leadership team having “skin in the game” is a key element of Cheba Hut’s corporate growth.

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