Teriyaki Madness is one of the fastest-growing fast-casual Asian food franchises in North America. Known for its bold flavors, customizable teriyaki bowls, and vibrant branding, the company has gained national traction in a highly competitive market. However, many curious customers and aspiring franchisees often ask: Who owns Teriyaki Madness? Understanding the ownership structure sheds light on the company’s mission, leadership, and strategic expansion.
Founding and Early History
Teriyaki Madness began in 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The concept was developed by brothers Rod Arreola and Eric Arreola, along with their cousin, Alan Arreola. They drew inspiration from the teriyaki shops of Seattle, which serve hot rice bowls topped with freshly grilled meats and vegetables.
Seattle had popularized the “teriyaki shop” model in the 1990s and early 2000s. Seeing a gap in the Las Vegas market, the Arreola family introduced their take on fast-casual Asian cuisine. Their initial restaurant saw moderate success, driven by loyal customers and a simple yet satisfying menu.
Transition to a Franchise Model
By 2005, the Arreolas recognized the growth potential of their brand. To scale efficiently, they explored the franchise model. In the years that followed, they built a system that could be replicated by entrepreneurs across the U.S. The idea was simple: deliver high-quality food with low overhead, offer robust support for franchisees, and build a strong brand around a popular cuisine.
Leadership Changes and Strategic Growth
The real turning point in Teriyaki Madness’s growth came in 2013 when Michael Haith acquired the company. Haith, an experienced food franchising executive, previously worked with brands such as Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies.
As CEO, he helped restructure Teriyaki Madness into a scalable franchise operation, professionalizing its systems, branding, and supply chains.
Under Haith’s leadership, the brand saw exponential growth. From a handful of locations, Teriyaki Madness expanded to over 100 units across the U.S. by 2020. Haith’s vision was simple: to bring fresh, customizable Asian food to communities nationwide.
Who Is Teriyaki Madness Owned By?
Teriyaki Madness is privately owned. The brand is operated under Teriyaki Madness Franchising, LLC, a private entity headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Michael Haith remains the principal owner and CEO. The original founders, while no longer involved in daily operations, still maintain a legacy association with the brand.
As a private LLC, Teriyaki Madness is not publicly traded. This allows leadership greater control over long-term strategies without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports. Investors and private equity partners may be involved behind the scenes, but they do not play a public-facing role in management.
Role of Michael Haith
Michael Haith’s influence over Teriyaki Madness cannot be overstated. As owner and CEO, he steered the brand through major development phases, from redesigning kitchen operations to standardizing franchisee support. Haith introduced new menu innovations and streamlined training, helping ensure that each franchise could deliver consistent quality.
Haith is also a key public face of the company. He often appears in franchise development conferences and business interviews, promoting the brand and discussing its mission to deliver “big bowls of awesomeness.”
Franchisee Ownership vs. Corporate Ownership
One point of clarification: while Teriyaki Madness is corporately owned by Teriyaki Madness Franchising, LLC, most of its restaurants are individually owned by franchisees. These local owners invest in opening a location under the Teriyaki Madness name, paying an initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties.
This structure allows the brand to grow without the need for corporate-operated locations. It also means that while Michael Haith and his team own the brand, the daily operation of most stores falls to independent entrepreneurs.
Private Equity and Investment
Though not widely publicized, there is speculation that Teriyaki Madness may have backing from private equity firms or strategic investors. This is common for rapidly expanding franchises. However, no major acquisitions or controlling interests have been reported.
If such investments exist, they are likely minority stakes, with Michael Haith and his leadership team retaining control. This approach allows Teriyaki Madness to maintain its brand identity while leveraging capital for growth.
Brand Philosophy and Culture
Ownership impacts more than just finances—it shapes culture. Under Haith’s ownership, Teriyaki Madness promotes a playful, energetic, and supportive franchise culture. The brand emphasizes franchisee success, community engagement, and an irreverent brand voice.
Marketing materials often feature bold graphics, cheeky taglines, and direct calls to action. This branding reflects the leadership’s desire to differentiate Teriyaki Madness from traditional Asian fast-food chains.
Global Expansion Plans
Ownership has also guided Teriyaki Madness’s global ambitions. In 2022, the brand announced international franchise deals, including plans to open in Mexico and Canada. These expansions are part of a broader vision to make Teriyaki Madness a household name beyond the U.S.
Michael Haith continues to oversee these developments, ensuring that international growth follows the same franchise-driven model.
Franchise Ownership Profile
Franchisees come from diverse backgrounds. Some are experienced restaurant operators, while others are first-time business owners. Teriyaki Madness offers training and support for all levels of experience.
While the brand retains ownership of its trademarks, recipes, and brand guidelines, franchisees have autonomy in hiring, day-to-day management, and local marketing.
Key Takeaways on Ownership
To summarize:
Teriyaki Madness was founded by the Arreola family in 2003.
Michael Haith acquired and restructured the company in 2013.
Health is the principal owner and current CEO.
Teriyaki Madness is owned by a private LLC.
Most locations are franchised and independently operated.
The brand has not been sold to a parent corporation or conglomerate.
Why Ownership Matters
Understanding who owns Teriyaki Madness offers insights into its growth, culture, and priorities. Unlike large corporate chains, Teriyaki Madness maintains an entrepreneurial spirit. Its leadership is accessible and deeply involved in operations, which often translates into better support for franchisees and more agility in a changing market.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Madness remains a privately owned, founder-driven brand with a strong identity and clear leadership. Whether you’re a fan of their spicy chicken bowls or an aspiring franchisee, knowing who owns the business helps you appreciate the vision behind each steaming bowl of teriyaki.
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