Fast casual teriyaki franchise hits major milestones, racks up industry accolades and charges into 2026 with 200 shops
Teriyaki Madness (TMAD) is finishing 2025 the same way customers leave its premium-ingredient bowls – absolutely demolished. The Seattle-style teriyaki franchise crossed the 200-shop milestone, opened 43 new locations with 47 total by year-end, expanded into new states and a new country, rolled out technology upgrades designed to supercharge franchisee performance and invested in its people to support massive growth – hiring seven specialized corporate employees across operations, culinary, marketing and franchise support. Systemwide sales climbed to an estimated $191 million, a 20% year-over-year jump.
The brand also drew national attention across the restaurant and franchise landscape, earning recognition from nearly every major industry ranking. If TMAD had a soundtrack this year, it would be the sound of trophies hitting the shelf. The brand muscled its way onto the Inc. 5000 with 71 percent three-year growth, snagged FranServe’s FRAN-TASTIC Brand honors, and climbed key industry lists, including Franchise Times Top 400, Restaurant Business Technomic Top 500, Fast Casual Movers & Shakers, Franchise Direct Top 100 Franchises, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Franchise Business Review’s Top 200. In short, the industry noticed.
These recognitions reflect a powerful momentum driven by strategic expansion, high-performing franchise operators and a non-negotiable standard for huge, delicious, customizable and healthy bowls that continue to convert hungry customers into lifelong fans.
That momentum is translating directly into growth. Teriyaki Madness sustained rapid development with an anticipated 37 new franchisees signing for 69 units by year-end. The brand expanded into Wyoming and Kentucky, with additional commitments in Maryland. TMAD also crossed a key benchmark with the opening of its first international location in El Salvador – the first of 16 planned across El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
A significant catalyst for growth was the brand’s new Executive Package, which allows franchisees to open unlimited units for one flat franchise fee. Experienced multi-unit operators, including franchisees of other popular concepts like Jersey Mike’s and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, are taking notice of the brand’s rapid growth and are jumping into new opportunities with TMAD. Four existing franchisees have already upgraded and two new franchisees joined under the program – a clear sign the model is resonating.
“Expanding with Teriyaki Madness was a no-brainer. The support team is responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in our success,” said Ken Schanke, multi-unit TMAD and Jersey Mike’s franchisee in Connecticut.
“The Executive Package is not just about saving money, it’s about speed. I can sign leases and move fast without the corporate red tape,” said Kush Patel, multi-unit TMAD franchisee in Ohio and Kentucky.
Looking ahead, TMAD continues to scale its teriyaki empire with over 54 openings set for 2026 and an additional 300 shops targeted by 2031, further solidifying its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant concepts.
Teriyaki Madness notched culinary and marketing wins, fueled by limited-time offers like Spicy Orange Chicken and Orange Spicy Chicken, which remixed fan-favorite gluten-free sauces into two entirely new bowls. National Chicken Teriyaki Day, the brand’s unofficial holiday and now its highest-grossing day of the year, continues to supercharge loyalty acquisition. The brand also launched its first fully AI-created ad campaign (with 100% real food), producing creative at a fraction of the cost and amplifying reach. Since its launch this fall, the campaign has already reached more than four million U.S. households, significantly expanding brand visibility and strengthening national awareness. Mad Rewards remained the star, adding 240,000 new members, 30% growth over 2024, putting the program over 1 million members this year.
Additionally, the brand is building the infrastructure needed for long-term scale, strengthening its leadership team with several key additions. Scott Shotter joined as Chief Restaurant Officer, overseeing systemwide operations and support functions to improve consistency and franchisee performance. Nate Weir stepped in as Director of Culinary to lead MadLabs innovation – the brand’s internal cross-departmental team that monitors and implements industry trends, limited-time offers and product/menu innovation – menu refinement and streamlined kitchen processes, while Kevin Hopkins joined as Franchise Business Coach for the Northeast to support regional growth. Together with additional hires and promotions across construction, training, marketing, communications, design and franchise services, these additions further bolster franchisee support and accelerate new-shop development.
Teriyaki Madness continued its investment in technology to enhance efficiency and profitability across the franchise system. AI-powered insights now help evaluate labor, menu performance and operations, providing shop-specific recommendations. Predictive systems, real-time analytics and streamlined back-of-house processes have created an environment optimized for consistency and performance.
“Our success is driven by an experienced, deeply committed team and a franchise system growing primarily through the confidence of our own franchisees – their reinvestment and referrals of friends and family,” said Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness. “While we intentionally invested early in people, a strong foundation, and sophisticated infrastructure to support our franchise partners, we could never have predicted this level of organic, internal growth.”
With ambitious franchise development goals and expanded tech-driven capabilities, Teriyaki Madness is positioned to hit the gas pedal on its already explosive trajectory. Continued innovation from MadLabs, strategic marketing initiatives and operational investments will play key roles in sustaining momentum into the new year.
“2025 shattered records. 2026 will shatter expectations,” said Haith. “Buckle up, because we’re just getting started.”
With more than 200 shops across 40 states, the brand is rapidly expanding nationwide. Teriyaki Madness is actively seeking dedicated franchise operators of all backgrounds to bring fresh, delicious teriyaki bowls to their neighborhoods. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit franchise.TeriyakiMadness.com. To explore the menu and learn more, visit TeriyakiMadness.com or follow Teriyaki Madness on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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