Teriyaki Madness Delivers One of the Highest First-Quarter Growth Performances in the Fast Casual Industry

Stronger unit-level economics and an upgraded digital infrastructure are driving growth at Teriyaki Madness.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:22pm

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A minimalist, high-contrast studio photograph featuring a clean, monochromatic background with a carefully arranged display of premium, polished stainless steel teriyaki bowls and chopsticks, representing the brand's focus on quality, efficiency, and growth.Teriyaki Madness' focus on operational excellence and menu innovation has propelled the brand to one of the highest-growth fast casual concepts in the industry.Seattle Today

Teriyaki Madness (TMAD), the Seattle-style teriyaki franchise, kicked off 2026 with a 28% year-over-year increase in systemwide sales for the chain with over 200 teriyaki shops across the country, making this one of the highest first-quarter growth performances in the fast casual industry. Fueled largely by existing franchisees expanding their footprints and referring friends and family, the momentum builds on a 46% increase in total shop count over the past two years.

Why it matters

Teriyaki Madness' strong growth in the first quarter reflects a broader trend in the franchise industry, where a growing share of expansion is being driven by existing franchisees choosing to scale and bring others into the brand. This suggests the company has built a model that is profitable and easy to operate at the unit level, making it an attractive option for both new and existing franchisees.

The details

Teriyaki Madness signed 10 new franchisees set to open 18 new locations, with multiple new franchisees coming through referrals from existing franchisees. The company also made several key hires to support its franchise support teams and promote two existing team members. Menu innovation, including the introduction of Double Protein bowls, also contributed to the strong first-quarter performance.

  • Teriyaki Madness kicked off 2026 with a 28% year-over-year increase in systemwide sales.
  • The company has seen a 46% increase in total shop count over the past two years.
  • Teriyaki Madness is on a tear to open a projected 46 shops this year with a strong showing in the first quarter.

The players

Teriyaki Madness

A Seattle-style teriyaki franchise with over 200 teriyaki shops across the country.

Michael Haith

Chief executive officer of Teriyaki Madness.

Jodi Boyce

Chief marketing officer at Teriyaki Madness.

Aunna Macias

Manager of restaurant tech at Teriyaki Madness.

Toast

A systemwide partner of Teriyaki Madness to support operations across its more than 200 locations.

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What they’re saying

“We've spent the past year tightening operations and improving unit-level performance, and now we're seeing that discipline show up in the numbers.”

— Michael Haith, Chief executive officer of Teriyaki Madness

“The focus is on giving operators tools that drive both traffic and profitability. When you combine menu improvements like Double Protein with upgraded technology and a growing base of franchisees, it creates a model that is easier to operate, more profitable to run and built to scale across markets.”

— Jodi Boyce, Chief marketing officer at Teriyaki Madness

What’s next

Teriyaki Madness is actively seeking dedicated franchise operators of all backgrounds to bring fresh, delicious teriyaki bowls to their neighborhoods. The company is on track to open a projected 46 shops this year.

The takeaway

Teriyaki Madness' strong first-quarter performance, driven by a focus on unit-level profitability and a growing base of franchisees, demonstrates the brand's ability to scale effectively in the fast casual industry. The company's investment in technology and menu innovation further positions it for continued growth.