1851

For more than a decade, <a href="http://mooyahfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mooyah-franchisees-find-success-by-being-first-in-their-states-2707299" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a> has been expanding its footprint in markets across the U.S. But the better-burger concept still has plenty of room for growth, and the franchise is actively seeking new franchise partners for development opportunities in a host of new and existing markets. By carefully selecting where to grow, the franchise&rsquo;s development team has helped ensure franchisees open in markets ready to embrace the better burger brand.

Being the first franchisee to open in a new market can seem challenging but also comes with unique benefits. We talked to two MOOYAH owners who opened the first restaurants in their states to learn how they and the brand&rsquo;s corporate team took full advantage of the opportunity.

Along with his brother and father, Josh Bergeson owns two MOOYAH locations in Wisconsin, including the first one in Fitchburg. Loren Katzman is also a multi-unit owner who brought the first MOOYAH restaurant to California in Walnut Creek. We asked Bergeson and Katzman about their experiences introducing the brand to new audiences and what advice they have for other franchisees thinking about opening in new markets.

What are some of the benefits of opening in a new market?

Bergeson: The biggest benefit for me was that most of our guests hadn&rsquo;t experienced the brand yet, so we could really define the experience. We were able to offer an outstanding experience, which allowed us to set the tone and capture a large customer base.

Katzman: You get to be the first to turn the local community on to a unique brand in their neighborhood. They have no expectations other than they want good food and good service, so when they try MOOYAH, they are blown away. We&rsquo;re about high-quality, fresh food, customizable burgers and superior attention to customer service, and other brands can&rsquo;t compete with that.

What are some of the challenges?

Bergeson: The lack of firsthand knowledge about the market can be a challenge. There can be a bit of a learning curve to understanding the labor pool, occupancy cost as it relates to potential sales, and target demographics.

Katzman: A lot of people don&rsquo;t know who you are yet, so you have to work a bit to get your name out there. You need to reach out to the community and show that you are a new local business that is there to serve them with an excellent experience.

How did MOOYAH&rsquo;s corporate team help address those challenges?

Bergeson: They helped us through the entire buildout process, walking us through each step. They made sure we had the staff to allow us to open at the high volume that we did. They sent us multiple trainers for several weeks to help train our initial crew, and they were able to jump in and help when we hit a rush in the first days.

Katzman: For starters, MOOYAH&rsquo;s training team came out to train our entire team and help with all of the initial opening concerns, like food orders. They were there for anything we needed during that time. Even after the opening, the marketing team is available to provide any advice we need, from suggesting approaches to community relations to providing advertising ideas. They are a phone call away and always ready with fun ideas for us to promote our business.

What advice would you give to a franchisee preparing to open in a new market?

Bergeson: Take the time to educate yourself on your market. Go to your competitors and take notes. Learn what they are paying their new hires and figure out what you think is working and not working from a customer&rsquo;s perspective. Use that information to build your crew and establish your culture.

Katzman: Follow the system. And reach out to other owners who have opened in new markets. Listen to ideas from people who have been through it and have been successful. This is your dream and your investment, so put all of your effort into making it everything you want it to be.

MOOYAH Franchisees Find Success by Being First in Their States

1851 Franchise

Josh Bergeson and Loren Katzman discuss the benefits of introducing the brand to new markets


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

mooyah-franchisees-find-success-by-being-first-in-their-states

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

Image of a kid growing up, developing with kidstrong, high fiving and smiling. 

How KidStrong has Become the Franchise Disrupting Child Development by Partnering with Purpose-Driven Franchise Owners 

kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-child-development

Picture of kids for franchise business Kidstrong which focuses on child development and fitness

KidStrong Is Pediatrician-Recommended for Raising Confident, Capable Kids and Families Can't Get Enough

kidstrong-child-development-program

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 Development Website Builder

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

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

MOOYAH Franchisees Find Success by Being First in Their States

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS