1851

While he may only be in his early 40s,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-saucedo-2b68101a?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=established-firehouse-subs-franchisee-signs-with-teriyaki-madness-in-texas-2723115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Elias Saucedo</a>, a new franchisee with&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=established-firehouse-subs-franchisee-signs-with-teriyaki-madness-in-texas-2723115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Teriyaki Madness</a> (TMAD) in Laredo, Texas, has had quite the entrepreneurial journey.&nbsp;Born in Chicago and raised in Mexico, Saucedo moved to Texas in 2000 for college. To support his education, he worked full-time, often in fast food, which he found enjoyable. After college, he found success in the banking and lending industry, where he worked for 12 years. However, his entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for personal and financial growth led him back to the restaurant industry in 2014.Saucedo's journey to franchising began with Firehouse Subs, where he opened two locations. Despite the challenges, he enjoyed the potential of operating multiple locations under a franchise model. After reaching maximum growth with Firehouse Subs, he explored other brands and even launched his own Mexican restaurant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eltremendotaco.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=established-firehouse-subs-franchisee-signs-with-teriyaki-madness-in-texas-2723115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tremendo Taco</a> in 2021. However, TMAD always stayed on his radar. He was impressed by the brand's efficient, young and ambitious leadership team, and the product resonated with him.Currently, Saucedo's agreement with TMAD is to open one restaurant, and he is keen to see how the Laredo market responds. After a year, he plans to assess the situation and potentially open two or three more locations locally, with the aim of making TMAD the favorite Asian fusion concept in the city. He also sees potential for expansion into nearby markets as well.The first Teriyaki Madness location in Laredo is expected to open by the end of the year.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Elias Saucedo:&nbsp;My personal story is that I was born in Chicago. But when I was very young, my family moved to Mexico. I grew up there, and that is really where my identity formed. There was an entrepreneurial spirit that was created in me there. I moved to Texas in the year 2000 to go to college. The culture there was very similar, but I also struggled financially, working full-time and going to school full-time. Some of those jobs were in fast food, which I found very comfortable. For me, it was a job that came very easy. I wasn’t fed up or angry when I left work at night. It was interacting with people and enjoying the fast-paced environment. Sitting down at a desk all day was not something I could do.&nbsp;But I was also good at sales. So, after college, I started working in the baking industry, including everything from retail banking to lending. I never thought I would end up there, but I spent the next 12 years in various roles. Eventually, I got bored in that industry.&nbsp;In 2014, I decided to open my own restaurant and finally follow my entrepreneurial passion. I also had my first child during this time and my career in banking was not the best way to grow financially and personally.&nbsp;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?Saucedo: I loved the restaurant industry, but I’m not a cook. So what could I do? I thought maybe the franchise model. In 2014, I opened my first restaurant with Firehouse Subs. That is how I started in franchising. After reaching max growth with Firehouse Sub, I started looking into alternative brands.&nbsp;One of the things I really liked about franchising was that I could potentially open multiple locations. We only opened two Firehouse Subs, but when we reached our second restaurant, we felt limited and I didn't want to go to another city. We then signed on to become a franchisee of another brand called Blaze Pizza, but the pandemic hit and we had to cancel that agreement. In 2021, I found an opportunity to open a second-generation restaurant of my own, creating something from scratch. It is a Mexican restaurant in our town called Tremendo Taco.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Saucedo:&nbsp;TMAD was one of the brands I first saw way back when I first franchised, so I was already in contact with the team. The product was the first thing that blew me away. Once I had the experience of opening my own restaurant, I went back to the drawing table and started seriously talking with TMAD. We went to visit the team in Denver. From then on, everything took off, and I fell in love with the concept and the leadership team.&nbsp;I was someone who had already seen how other franchisors operate, so I knew that TMAD was different. They were so efficient at what they were doing, and I was very impressed. I wanted a younger brand that was hungry and ready to grow. They had the energy and the desire to be bigger. I knew they would make us stronger as a franchisee. You have the power locally to make or break a restaurant, but having that leadership behind you is key in helping you get through difficult times.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Saucedo:&nbsp;My agreement is for one restaurant right now, and I want to see how the market will react. The population is 95% Hispanic here, so it is a very different kind of market and you really have to listen to what the customer says. After one year, I will know a lot more. My long-term potential desire would be to multiply, at least open two or three locations locally, and then expand to other markets nearby. My main goal is to become the go-to favorite Asian fusion concept in the city.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Saucedo:&nbsp;I thought franchising was something that you could do and keep your full-time job, hire a manager, train them, etc. I thought it’d be really easy, but that cost me a lot in the beginning. I ended up having to quit my full-time job, my benefits, my salary, to essentially become a cashier at my restaurant. But that is why I am now able to look at the future with excitement. I know my market. I am there face-to-face with customers every single day. People know me and identify me as someone that is important to the community. They see me day in and day out. That helps a lot with the business. Community involvement is really key in the restaurant industry.The initial investment required to open a Teriyaki Madness franchise ranges from $305,750 and $731,260. Learn more here: https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/ABOUT TERIYAKI MADNESSTeriyaki 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 130 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 operators. Backed by world-class delivery and loyalty innovations and an all-star executive team, Teriyaki Madness’ focus is on sustainable growth and exceptional experiences. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.franchise.teriyakimadness.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=established-firehouse-subs-franchisee-signs-with-teriyaki-madness-in-texas-2723115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">franchise.teriyakimadness.com</a> for single and multi-unit opportunities, and join the Teriyaki Takeover.

Firehouse Subs Franchisee | Teriyaki Madness Deal | TX | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

Entrepreneur Elias Saucedo is excited to partner with the Seattle-style teriyaki franchise to open the go-to Asian fusion cuisine in his community.

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

Established Firehouse Subs Franchisee Signs with Teriyaki Madness in Texas

established-firehouse-subs-franchisee-signs-with-teriyaki-madness-in-texas

Mathnasium

How Two Mathnasium Franchisees Turned Passion for Education Into a Thriving Business in Park City, Utah

how-two-mathnasium-franchisees-turned-passion-for-education-into-a-thriving-business-in-park-city-utah

Griswold

Griswold Closes Out 2024 with 21 New Franchises Awarded Across the U.S.

griswold-closes-out-2024-with-21-new-franchises-awarded-across-the-us

Harri

Quincy Valencia, Harri’s SVP of Innovation, on Empowering Frontline Workers Through Technology and Engagement

quincy-valencia-harris-svp-of-innovation-on-empowering-frontline-workers-through-technology-and-engagement

United Water Restoration Group

United Water Restoration Group Wraps up 2024 With Strong Growth and Innovative New Initiatives

united-water-restoration-group-wraps-up-2024-with-strong-growth-and-innovative-new-initiatives

Caring Transitions

Why Franchisees Should Choose Caring Transitions Over In-Home Senior Care Franchises

why-franchisees-should-choose-caring-transitions-over-in-home-senior-care-franchises

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

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Jersey Mike’s Hits 3,000 Locations Amid Unprecedented Growth

jersey-mikes-hits-3000-locations-amid-unprecedented-growth

Fast Company: KFC Introduces Spin Off Restaurant, Saucy

fast-company-kfc-introduces-spin-off-restaurant-saucy

Subway Seals the Deal: PepsiCo Beverages Coming to U.S. Locations in 2025

subway-seals-the-deal-pepsico-beverages-coming-to-us-locations-in-2025

Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) - AFC and FIM 2025 - 1851 Franchise News

Malaysia Focuses on Franchise Growth Through AFC and FIM 2025

malaysia-focuses-on-franchise-growth-through-afc-and-fim-2025

Hilton and Grubhub Expand Mobile Delivery Services to Over 2,600 Hotels

hilton-and-grubhub-expand-mobile-delivery-services-to-over-2600-hotels

How Diego Ruiz and Mauricio Blanco Are Growing Pollo Campero

From Family Business to Franchise Success: How Diego Ruiz and Mauricio Blanco Are Growing Pollo Campero

from-family-business-to-franchise-success-how-diego-ruiz-and-mauricio-blanco-are-growing-pollo-campero

Serial Entrepreneur Launches Kona Ice in Downtown Las Vegas, Bringing Refreshing Fun to the Community

serial-entrepreneur-launches-kona-ice-in-downtown-las-vegas-bringing-refreshing-fun-to-the-community

Award-Winning Allstate Agency Owners to Bring Compassionate Care to Cupertino, California, with New Griswold Franchise

award-winning-allstate-agency-owners-to-bring-compassionate-care-to-cupertino-california-with-new-griswold-franchise

"We Belong To The Community": Melting Pot Fort Collins Celebrates 20 Years

we-belong-to-the-community-melting-pot-fort-collins-celebrates-20-years

The Top 10 Dessert Franchises Santa Would Love

the-top-10-dessert-franchises-santa-would-love

100% Chiropractic's Mission to Transform Health Care Through Education and Wellness

100-chiropractics-mission-to-transform-health-care-through-education-and-wellness

How to Leverage Franchisee Validation To Grow Your Franchise

how-to-leverage-franchisee-validation-to-grow-your-franchise

Established Firehouse Subs Franchisee Signs with Teriyaki Madness in Texas

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS