Software Product Manager Returns to Family’s Restaurant Roots with Teriyaki Madness Franchise

After a 25-year career in the software industry, Travis Kasch was ready to move back to his roots in the restaurant business. Motivated by a desire for change and influenced by his family’s history with quick service restaurant franchising, Travis and his brother, Corey, decided to invest in Teriyaki Madness, the fast-casual Seattle-style teriyaki franchise. They were drawn to the brand’s strong support for franchisees, the quality of its food and its unique (and healthy) cuisine concept.

“The overall process they have in place to support franchisees and get them up and running was the best we researched,” said Travis. “The food was a big deal-sealer, and their support system was impressive.”

The Kasch brothers aim to introduce a healthy, fast-casual dining option to the Des Moines Metro area, with plans to eventually open three Teriyaki Madness locations.

“Corey is my older brother, and he has a lot of experience in restaurants and franchising,” said Travis. “He has been in the restaurant business his whole life. I can’t think of a better business partner than him.”

1851 Franchise spoke with Travis about his and Corey’s franchise journey with Teriyaki Madness and their plans for the future.

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

Travis Kasch: I've been in the software business for the last 25 years. I've had different roles throughout that career, from owner to product management and client services manager. I just wanted to make a change. My family has always been in the restaurant business — my parents started with a quick service restaurant franchise — so I grew up in that environment and decided to get more involved about a year ago.

1851: How involved were you in the franchise growing up?

Travis: I worked in the restaurant during high school and majored in business management in college. After exploring different options, I went into the software business but eventually missed the restaurant industry and wanted to come back.

1851: Tell me a little bit about you and Corey. How did you guys become business partners?

Travis: Corey is my older brother, and he has a lot of experience in restaurants and franchising. He has been in the restaurant business his whole life. I couldn't think of a better business partner than him.

1851: Was he a part of the franchise experience growing up as well?

Travis: Yes, he was. He owned several quick service restaurant franchises until recently when he sold them.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before you became a franchisee? What do you want people to know about franchising now that you’re in it?

Travis: It's a great opportunity to be your own boss. Being an entrepreneur always interested me. When researching franchises, Teriyaki Madness stood out due to their support for franchisees, the people we interacted with and the restaurants we toured.

1851: What made you pick Teriyaki Madness specifically?

Travis: The overall process they have in place to support franchisees and get them up and running was the best we researched. The food was a big deal sealer, and their support system was impressive.

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

Travis: We signed a three-store deal with Teriyaki Madness. This is the first one. We want to bring a fast-casual Asian option to the Metro Area and provide excellent food.

1851: Do you have any advice for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Travis: Being somewhat new to franchising, I'd say it's important to do your due diligence and research, and be patient throughout the process. There are many roadblocks, but overall, it's been a good experience.

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.