Two Northeast Florida neighbors – a retired New Jersey police officer and an American Airlines pilot – decided that they should start a business.
Robert Garnecki, 53, and David Patrick, 63, knew that they wanted a franchise.
They wanted a new concept for the market that would offer an opportunity to expand.
They did their research and decided to join one of the nation’s fastest-growing chains, Teriyaki Madness.
Founded in 2003 in Seattle and now headquartered in Denver, the Asian fast-casual chain has grown to about 150 restaurants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The menu comprises bowls, appetizers and sides with teriyaki marinated beef, chicken, tofu and fish. All but one of its sauces are made at the restaurant.
Garnecki and Patrick are leasing space at 140 Little Cypress Drive in the Grand Cypress Marketplace shopping center at U.S. 1 and Race Track Road in Saint Johns. Teriyaki Madness is expected to open by late July as they wait on scheduling for the final state health department inspection.
“We liked the idea of a franchise because it’s already proven. You don’t have to reinvent it. They have already skinned that cat and know which ways work best,” Patrick said.
The two were impressed when they trained at the company’s home office in Denver. The layout of each restaurant is calculated for precision and healthy food preparation practices, they said.
Garnecki moved to Florida in 2019 upon retiring from police work.
Patrick is continuing his airline career until he retires at 65. He is a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Reserve and the U.S. National Guard. He is the former owner of two Jimmy John’s restaurants in Illinois
As a pilot, he can live anywhere. He’s stationed in Charlotte but wanted to move from Illinois to Florida because of the lifestyle.
The first instinct was to return to Jimmy John’s, but the two said they wanted to bring the rapidly growing Nocatee area a concept other than a sandwich shop.
“We make freshly grilled food that is made to order. People on the go deserve a healthy, quick meal,” Garnecki said.
The average per meal is $8.99 to $12.99.
The 1,816-square-foot store will seat 26. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
They expect much of their business to be carryout. There is no drive-thru, but Teriyaki Madness has an app for curbside pickup. During franchise training,
Patrick put the food’s traveling ability to the test.
“They told us that on average a delivery takes 23 minutes. I don’t know of any burgers or fries that are going to taste good after being 23 minutes in a bag,” Patrick said.
“I got an Uber, placed an order and got back in almost an hour to the minute. It was still hot.”
The two expect to spend $700,000 to open the restaurant in the new shopping center anchored by Winn-Dixie.
Teriyaki Madness designed the store. Ameritech Construction of Orlando is the contractor.
Part of that cost includes the three franchise fees they purchased for this area. They intend to find locations near St. Johns Town Center and in St. Augustine.
Teriyaki Madness is not as labor intensive as other franchises, Patrick said.
They expect to hire 25 full- and part-time employees.