A growing Asian restaurant concept featuring a Seattle Teriyaki menu is expanding into Southeast Tennessee next week with the opening of the first of at least three local restaurants.
Teriyaki Madness, a Denver-based chain that features made-to-order Teriyaki dishes, will open Wednesday in the Paul Huff Corners in Cleveland, Tennessee, adjacent to four other restaurants just off of Interstate 75 at exit 27.
William Harris, a veteran manager at Panera Bread stores in Dalton, Chattanooga and Cleveland, and Matthew Bartow, a former kitchen manager at Aubrey's restaurant in Cleveland, teamed up with another outside investor to buy the local Teriyaki Madness franchise.
"We looked at a lot of different concepts, but we think this is a great brand and it has enjoyed double-digit sales at every location year over years," Harris said. "We'll offer lots of healthy options and we think with out experience in the restaurant industry and the bold "Spreading the Madness" marketing done by Teriyaki Madness, we should do well."
The new restaurant will offer junior, regular and large protein bowls, ranging in price from about $6 to $10.99 a bowl. The bowls feature beef teriyaki, chicken breast teriyaki, Yakisoba noodles and Chicken Katsu with a variety of appetizers , sides and sauces.
The restaurant concept, which bills itself as "Fresh, Fulfilling, and Fits your Life," was recently recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Franchise 500 company and by Franchise Business Review for their Top 50 Franchise Satisfaction awards.
Restaurant at a glance
Name: Teryaki MadnessMenu: Protein bowls featuring beef teriyaki, chicken breast teriyaki, Yakisoba nodles and chicken Katsu with a variety of appetizers, sides and sauces.History: 2003 in Las Vegas and franchised since 2005Headquarters: DenverNo. of units: 63 open now and plans for nearly 150 moreTypical unit sales: $1.2 million a yearLocal franchise owners: William Harris and Matthew BartowLocation: 674 Paul Huff Parkway in ClevelandLocal staff: 28 employees
The 2,000-square-foot eatery has seating for 50, but half of the business is expected to be take out from the company's take-out social platform. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
Once the new unit is up and successfully running, the franchise owners are eager to expand into Hamilton County. Harris said he has optioned a possible site in Hixson and is looking for another location on or near Gunbarrel Road in East Brainerd.
"It's always been our dream about having our own restaurant and we're excited to get his open," he said.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 757-6340