Multi-Unit Subway Franchisee Diversifies Portfolio with Teriyaki Madness

Charlie Patel began his entrepreneurial journey in Mississippi with just $6,000 to his name. He went into debt, betting on himself and starting a tobacco business that he successfully grew and sold within five years. His experience in retail and the values instilled by his parents (who were also entrepreneurs in the convenience store industry), paved the way for his entry into franchising — an entry he made at the ripe age of 17.

Patel's first foray into franchising was with Subway, where he expanded from a single unit to owning five locations, along with an Edible Arrangements franchise. He also owns a hotel. Patel is not done growing his franchising empire, however, and has been interested in Teriyaki Madness as a concept for over a decade. His fascination with the unique offerings of Teriyaki Madness led him to pursue this brand, excited by its simplified menu and potential for growth. Now, with extensive franchising experience, Patel is focused on building a successful multi-unit presence with Teriyaki Madness around Flowood, Mississippi.

Patel took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say.

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

Patel: I was in the tobacco business starting around 2007, so I have some retail experience. My parents were in the convenience store business since 1994, so business values were instilled in me from an early age. I’m originally from New Jersey, and I moved to Mississippi in 2007. I operated the tobacco business for about five years and then sold it in 2012. In 2009, I got into franchising with Subway, starting with one unit and eventually expanded to five locations. I also own an Edible Arrangements franchise and a hotel in South Carolina. 

My partner, Sam Patel, has been running a convenience store since 2003, and Both of us will be running our Teriyaki Madness business;  we decided now was the time to go for it because we liked how unique the concept is and we wanted to invest in a growing brand.

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

Patel: I initially thought franchising was a great way to expand because the groundwork is already laid out for you. They’ve done all the research, and all you need to do is follow the rules and regulations. What I want people to know now is that franchising makes it easier to manage a business compared to starting something independently. The systems are in place, and if you understand the basic formulas — like the percentage of food cost, labor and expenses — you can easily predict profitability.

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

Patel: I had been following Teriyaki Madness since around 2013 or 2014, when the original founders were still running it. I liked the concept because it’s different from the usual burgers and sandwich shops. It’s a unique concept, offering something that’s not as common in the market. What excites me the most is the simplicity of their menu. They only have a few core items like chicken, steak, tofu and salmon, which makes it easier to manage and cook. Plus, it offers customers a different option than the usual fast food choices.

1851: What’s your biggest accomplishment in this job?

Patel: My biggest accomplishment was coming to Mississippi with only $6,000, starting a business with debt, and paying off that debt within two years. From there, I expanded into franchising, which has allowed me to become more entrepreneurial. 

1851: What’s your big goal for your first year with Teriyaki Madness?

Patel: Our number one goal is to increase sales by providing the best quality food and service to ensure we have returning customers. This will help us build brand awareness and grow. We plan to open additional restaurants, aiming for at least three more locations. If the first one is successful, we hope to open three more at the same time.

1851: What advice do you have for aspiring franchisees?

Patel: Franchising is a great business model because the foundation is already set. You just need to follow the operation rules and regulations. The franchisor has done all the research and laid the groundwork, so you don’t have to worry about marketing or support.  Everything you need to succeed is provided.

ABOUT TERIYAKI MADNESS  

Teriyaki Madness is making big moves. The secret sauce lies in TMAD’s uncompromising support systems that allow new business owners to achieve success through their proprietary training and support programs with teams dedicated to each franchisee’s unique needs. More than 150 shops across three countries deliver big, heaping bowls of fresh, healthy, natural ingredients to their communities, creating a cult-like following with customers, employment opportunities for neighborhoods, and profitable margins for the franchisees. Backed by leading-edge technology including delivery and loyalty innovations and an all-star executive team, Teriyaki Madness’ focus is on providing profitable opportunities for TMAD franchisees by providing delicious, healthy food to communities. Visit franchise.teriyakimadness.com for single and multi-unit opportunities.