Teriyaki Madness Makes Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2023

DENVER – Teriyaki Madness, the 130+ unit franchised purveyor of Seattle-style teriyaki bowls, announced it has been named among Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers for 2023, a prestigious list that recognizes brands that are succeeding by disrupting the fast-casual segment with fresh thinking. Each year, Fast Casual stamps the seal of approval on 75 brands and 25 individuals who are more than just "serving looks" — they're dishing out some serious game-changing moves in the food industry. This year, Teriyaki Madness ranked number 26, putting them in the top 30 fast casual brands. 

Teriyaki Madness (TMAD) has been making some pretty big moves (and shakes) in recent years by creating value for franchisees, guests and employees alike. TMAD offers made-to-order bowls prepared with fresh, all-natural ingredients served quickly and at a reasonable price that guests can make as healthy as they’d like, along with apps and sides.

“We’re proud to be among the brands that Fast Casual has recognized as Movers & Shakers in 2023,” said Teriyaki Madness CEO Michael Haith. “We’ve made the list five times total — we’re practically part of the family! We believe that the drive to succeed and the drive to keep innovating are very much one and the same.”

Despite obvious challenges — you know, small things like pandemics, supply chain disruptions and risqué inflation — Teriyaki Madness has continued to thrive due to its simple, proven and successful business model, in-depth franchisee support and expert leadership team.

Last year, TMAD grew its footprint by an impressive 20%, with over 100 units awarded to franchisees. With the vast majority of current franchisees expanding into additional units, TMAD expects nearly 30% systemwide growth again this year, opening 40 units in 2023.

“People keep talking about a recession? We say bring it on,” said Haith. “We closed out another groundbreaking year for our franchisees, and it proves that the Madness can’t be stopped — we’ve built a business model designed to succeed in both good and bad economic times.”

When it comes to innovation, Teriyaki Madness has rolled out several new initiatives in recent months. For example, to support franchisees, TMAD launched its new employee training program called Mad University, powered by PlayerLync, a mobile digital workplace. 

Another groundbreaker is the not-quite-drive-thru, not-quite-drive-up option: Flybuy. Given that TMAD offers fully-customizable bowls — a drive-thru model just wouldn't cut the mustard, or in this case, the soy sauce. But with Flybuy, this teriyaki titan will soon serve up even more convenience with fully-optimized curbside and in-shop pickup.

As for what the future holds? Let's just say Teriyaki Madness has its franchising chopsticks poised for a grand feast, targeting areas like San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Dallas, as well as northern New Jersey all the way up to Massachusetts. 

“The Madness is just getting started,” said Haith. “All over the country, TMAD is tossing the rulebook out the window and cooking up a teriyaki revolution. That's what we call 'bowling' them over! We are proud of our standing as a Fast Casual Mover & Shaker and we will continue to shake up the fast casual scene, one flavorful bowl at a time.”

ABOUT TERIYAKI MADNESS

If you’ve read this far, you know—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 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 www.franchise.teriyakimadness.com for single and multi-unit opportunities, and join the Teriyaki Takeover.