Dental Consultant Launches Restaurant with Teriyaki Madness

When Catherine Loyola was pressured to return to the office early in the pandemic, putting her family member that was immune compromised at risk, she knew it was time to pursue her next opportunity. “From that moment on, I knew I didn’t want anyone to make me feel like I’m not worth making my own choices,” she said. “I want to make my choices for my life.”

After spending nearly two decades helping new dentists launch their own practices, Loyola had considerable experience in getting businesses off the ground. She stepped away to build her own consulting business, and when she was ready to further diversify her portfolio, she found Teriyaki Madness. Now, Loyola is bringing three new Teriyaki Madness shops to the Henderson, Nevada, community, with the first set to open late March.

1851 Franchise spoke with Loyola to learn more about her journey to franchising and plans for the future.

FEATURE QUESTIONS

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Loyola: I was in the dental field for 18 years, helping new dentists open their new practices from the ground up. About a year or two before COVID, I started consulting. In May of 2020, the doctor that I was working for was forcing everyone to go back into the office, and I didn’t want to take that chance. I went ahead and became independent and started my own consulting business.

During that time, I was looking into investing more. I had flipped houses and made a profit, so I wanted to invest that in something else. That’s when I started looking into franchising. 

I ordered from Teriyaki Madness a lot, but I just thought it was a local business with multiple locations. When I found out it was a franchise, I inquired.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Loyola: I knew the difference between signing up for a franchise and starting something on my own. I’ve never been in the restaurant business, so the franchise model was attractive to me. I’m buying into a model that’s been proven.

I would want someone to know that there’s a lot that goes into it. Do your research. Look into everything and consider what you do and don’t want to do. Do you want to be a hands-on or absentee owner? Be prepared.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Loyola: I had experienced Teriyaki Madness as a customer and knew I liked it. When I learned more about the franchise, I was excited to see that there are a lot more franchisees buying in. We’re expanding nationwide, and it’s exciting to see that growth.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Loyola: I bought into three franchises. At the six-month mark, I’m planning to start looking for a location for the second shop.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Loyola: I’m an entrepreneur, willing to take a risk for the dream of ownership. I was a young single mom, and I am the first person in my family to open a business and now first in my family to open a restaurant business. I’m hoping to build that legacy and create freedom, for not just myself, but my whole family.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Loyola: Get involved and get in touch with other franchisees and people who have been a part of the process. Learn the ups and downs from other people. Transitioning into ownership is a big step, and having coaches and people who can support you in that way makes it easier to take that leap.

ABOUT TERIYAKI MADNESS

Teriyaki Madness is making big moves. Named the #1 Fastest-Growing Big Restaurant Chain in the U.S. by Restaurant Business, TMAD’s secret sauce lies in creating value for franchisees, guests and employees alike. More than 145 shops across three countries deliver big, heaping bowls of fresh, natural ingredients to their communities, creating a cult-like following with customers, employment opportunities for neighborhoods, and profitable margins for the franchisees. Backed by world-class technology including delivery and loyalty innovations and an all-star executive team, Teriyaki Madness’ focus is on sustainable growth and exceptional experiences. Visit franchise.teriyakimadness.com for single and multi-unit opportunities, and join the Teriyaki Takeover.