From Subway Multi-Unit Success to Teriyaki Madness Franchise

Charlie Patel began his entrepreneurial journey in Mississippi with just $6,000 to his name. He went into debt, betting on himself and starting a tobacco business that he successfully grew and sold within five years. His experience in retail and the values instilled by his parents (who were also entrepreneurs in the convenience store industry), paved the way for his entry into franchising — an entry he made at the ripe age of 17.

Patel's first foray into franchising was with Subway, where he expanded from a single unit to owning five locations, along with an Edible Arrangements franchise. He also owns a hotel. Patel is not done growing his franchising empire, however, and has been interested in Teriyaki Madness as a concept for over a decade.

His fascination with the unique offerings of Teriyaki Madness led him to pursue this brand, excited by its simplified menu and potential for growth. Now, with extensive franchising experience, Patel is focused on building a successful multi-unit presence with Teriyaki Madness around Flowood, Mississippi.

• He was in the tobacco business starting around 2007, so he has some retail experience.
• His parents were in the convenience store business since 1994, so business values were instilled in him from an early age.
• He’s originally from New Jersey, and he moved to Mississippi in 2007.
• He operated the tobacco business for about five years and then sold it in 2012.
• In 2009, he got into franchising with Subway, starting with one unit and eventually expanded to five locations.
• He also owns an Edible Arrangements franchise and a hotel in South Carolina.

His partner, Sam Patel, has been running a convenience store since 2003, and Both of them will be running their Teriyaki Madness business; they decided now was the time to go for it because they liked how unique the concept is and they wanted to invest in a growing brand.

• He initially thought franchising was a great way to expand because the groundwork is already laid out for you.

• They’ve done all the research, and all you need to do is follow the rules and regulations.

• What he wants people to know now is that franchising makes it easier to manage a business compared to starting something independently.

• The systems are in place, and if you understand the basic formulas — like the percentage of food cost, labor and expenses — you can easily predict profitability.

• He had been following Teriyaki Madness since around 2013 or 2014, when the original founders were still running it.

• He liked the concept because it’s different from the usual burgers and sandwich shops.

• It’s a unique concept, offering something that’s not as common in the market.

• What excites him the most is the simplicity of their menu.

• They only have a few core items like chicken, steak, tofu and salmon, which makes it easier to manage and cook.

• Plus, it offers customers a different option than the usual fast food choices.

• His biggest accomplishment was coming to Mississippi with only $6,000, starting a business with debt, and paying off that debt within two years.

• From there, he expanded into franchising, which has allowed him to become more entrepreneurial.

• Their number one goal is to increase sales by providing the best quality food and service to ensure they have returning customers.

• This will help them build brand awareness and grow.

• They plan to open additional restaurants, aiming for at least three more locations.

• If the first one is successful, they hope to open three more at the same time.

• Franchising is a great business model because the foundation is already set.

• You just need to follow the operation rules and regulations.

• The franchisor has done all the research and laid the groundwork, so you don’t have to worry about marketing or support.

• Everything you need to succeed is provided.