There’s a new kind of franchise owner emerging across the country, one who values time as much as success. You’re not chasing a corner office or a paycheck that costs your weekends. You’re chasing balance, freedom, and the chance to make an impact in your community.
That’s exactly what so many Toastique owners have done. They’ve traded the long commutes and endless meetings for mornings that start with purpose and workdays that still leave time for life.
From corporate leaders to athletes, parents, and young professionals, these are people who want more than just a business. They wanted a lifestyle. And in Toastique, they found a brand that matched their vision: creative, community-driven, and built for modern living.
Let’s meet five franchise owners who turned their everyday routines into lifestyle businesses they truly love.
1. Tiffany & Todd Siegel: From Corporate Schedules to New York Café Life
After years in fast-paced corporate roles, Tiffany and Todd Siegel were ready for a change of rhythm. When they moved back to New York after several years in London, they wanted more than another career move — they wanted a lifestyle that felt authentic, balanced, and connected to their community.
Finding Purpose Beyond Corporate Life
At first, franchising wasn’t on their radar. Like many, they pictured fast-food chains and rigid systems. But after exploring hundreds of brands, they discovered how diverse and creative the franchise world had become.
When they found Toastique, everything clicked.
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The menu reflected how they already lived — fresh, simple, flavorful.
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The brand felt authentic and inspiring.
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And the business model offered something rare: structure with freedom.
For Tiffany, who had focused deeply on health and nourishment during her recovery journey, Toastique’s ingredient-first philosophy hit close to home. For Todd, it was a way to blend purpose and professional experience while doing something that made a difference every day.
A Team That Just Felt Right
When the Siegels attended Toastique’s Approval Day, they knew they’d found the right fit. There wasn’t a sales pitch — just real conversations, transparency, and genuine passion for the food and the mission.
“We were pleasantly surprised that the more we learned, the better the business opportunity seemed. [This] also gave us more trust and confidence in the leadership team. We love that they were transparent from day one – it speaks to their character.”
Now Serving Midtown Manhattan
As of April 5, 2025, Tiffany and Todd have opened Toastique’s first Manhattan café at 445 5th Avenue, right across from Bryant Park and steps from the New York Public Library. Their space brings Toastique’s signature bright energy and handcrafted flavors to the heart of the city, a place where New Yorkers can pause, connect, and recharge between the rush.
For the Siegels, this isn’t about leaving corporate life behind; it’s about creating something that reflects who they are: driven, thoughtful, and passionate about helping others feel their best, one toast and smoothie at a time.
2. Brad & Chrissy Sileo: A New Chapter Rooted in Community
When Brad and Chrissy Sileo became empty nesters, they weren’t ready to slow down. Instead, they started imagining what their next chapter could look like—something meaningful, active, and connected to their community.
Chrissy, a longtime yoga instructor, wanted to lead something she could truly feel a part of. Brad, a tech entrepreneur and part-time scuba instructor, wanted to stay involved while keeping his flexible lifestyle. They’d both built independent careers, but they missed the energy of working together toward something that mattered.
Discovering a Brand That Fits Their Lifestyle
When the Sileos began researching franchise opportunities, they were looking for more than numbers on a page — they wanted a concept that reflected their values: fresh, creative, and community-centered. Food service felt like a natural fit for Chrissy, who started her career in restaurants and still loved connecting with people.
After exploring several brands, they found Toastique, and everything clicked. The gourmet toast and juice bar model lined up perfectly with their love of healthy living and balance.
During their Approval Day visit in Washington, D.C., one small moment sealed it for Chrissy:
“When we walked into a location, the employees didn’t change their behavior when the founders arrived. Everyone just seemed happy and comfortable to see them. I liked that feel. People seemed to think that was a good place to be and a good place to work.”
That kind of culture, genuine, positive, and people-first, made the decision easy.
Now Open in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania
As of June 7, 2025, Brad and Chrissy have opened Toastique’s first Pennsylvania café at 700 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. Their space is bright and welcoming, complete with a living-plant wall, local artwork, and plenty of cozy spots to gather — whether you’re stopping in for a morning coffee, a smoothie bowl after yoga, or a quick lunch between meetings.
Chrissy leads day-to-day operations while Brad supports from behind the scenes, both focused on creating a place that feels good to walk into, and even better to come back to.
Their goal is simple: to bring people together over food that’s fresh, colorful, and crafted with care. And after a warm welcome from the community, they’re already dreaming up where Toastique might pop up next across Pittsburgh.
3. Sam & TC Hunter: Service, Community, and a New Chapter in Hampton Roads
After a combined 46 years in the Navy, Sam and TC Hunter were ready for a new kind of mission rooted in community, great food, and connection. Their daughter first introduced them to Toastique with a few bottles of cold-pressed juice from D.C. They loved the flavor and the philosophy, and the idea of creating a neighborhood café began to take shape.
From Service To Small Business
True to their Navy roots, Sam and TC approached Discovery Day with curiosity and care. They met the Toastique team, asked every question they could think of, and quickly saw how open and genuine the founders were.
The team shared lessons learned, offered personal contact, and made them feel immediately welcomed, like they were already part of something bigger.
“We walked away with our questions answered and feeling comfortable that this was the right choice for our family,” Sam says.
Now Open in Chesapeake’s Summit Pointe (Hampton Roads)
Today, Sam and TC are welcoming guests to their own Toastique café at 535 Belaire Ave in Chesapeake, VA, in the heart of Summit Pointe. Doors opened November 18, 2023, and their bright, modern space has quickly become a favorite local stop for gourmet toasts, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and coffee.
Walk inside and you’ll feel their influence everywhere, the friendly energy, the care behind every detail, and the sense that this is more than a café; it’s a community spot built by people who love to serve.
Sam, a brain-tumor survivor and lifelong volunteer, leads with compassion and optimism. TC keeps things running smoothly and never misses a chance to chat with guests. Together, they’ve created a space that feels both energizing and grounded—a reflection of their life of service and their passion for healthy living.
Their next chapter isn’t about slowing down but about lifting others up, one toast, one juice, and one smile at a time.
4. Laura Anderson & Paul Diballa: Family Values Meet Modern Ownership
For Laura Anderson and Paul Diballa, opening Toastique in Sarasota was all about family, balance, and creating something that makes their community feel good.
Laura, a nurse and educator with a love for wholesome food, wanted to build a space that encourages connection over simple, beautiful meals. Paul, a classically trained chef and lifelong food lover, saw Toastique as the perfect canvas for fresh ingredients and creative presentation. Together, they found a concept that fits exactly how they live; intentional, vibrant, and rooted in care.
Finding A Brand That Just Clicked
When they first came across Toastique, Laura and Paul were drawn to its approachable style and focus on real ingredients. The brand felt polished but genuine, exactly the type of place they’d want in their own neighborhood.
Visiting Washington, D.C., and meeting the Toastique team sealed it; they knew they’d found the right fit.
Now Open In Downtown Sarasota
Since July 2023, Toastique Sarasota has been serving guests at 10 S Lemon Ave, right in the heart of the city’s lively downtown. Bright, relaxed, and filled with natural light, it’s become a go-to for locals and visitors alike, whether you’re starting your morning with a smoothie bowl, catching up over coffee, or winding down with a colorful toast after exploring the Gulf Coast.
For Laura and Paul, this café represents a way to connect with people, share good food, and bring a little joy to every day. Their thoughtful touch shows in everything they do, from warm service to every beautifully plated toast that leaves the counter.
5. Francisco & Marisela Vallejo: Bringing Toastique to Laredo
Francisco and Marisela Vallejo wanted to create something that truly reflects their hometown, a place where people can eat well, feel good, and connect. As longtime Laredo residents, they’ve spent their careers helping others build success:
Francisco is in business administration and franchise operations, and Marisela is a certified accountant who’s led her own firm for over 25 years.
After navigating their own health journeys, the couple started looking for a way to turn their personal values into something the community could share. That search led them to Toastique.
Finding The Right Fit
The Vallejos were drawn to Toastique’s fresh approach to food and its focus on genuine connection. Francisco loved the balance of flavor and nutrition, while Marisela saw a brand that matched their vision for Laredo: approachable, uplifting, and built around care.
“After facing challenges with my own health, I realized it was time to make a change,” Francisco shared. “Now, my wife and I are committed to nourishing our bodies with wholesome, high-quality ingredients — and we wanted to bring a concept to Laredo that reflects those values.”
Now Open in Summerwind
Since May 10, 2025, Toastique Laredo has been serving guests at 1119 Fenwick Dr, Suite 201. The café’s bright, open space has quickly become part of the Summerwind routine — a go-to for morning coffee, colorful smoothie bowls, and toasts that make you stop for a photo before the first bite.
For Francisco and Marisela, Toastique is a way to give back to the city that shaped them. Every guest who walks through their doors is part of the bigger goal: to make eating well easy, enjoyable, and local.
Shared Values, Distinct Journeys
From New York to Florida, each Toastique owner took a different path, but every story carries the same purpose.
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Value balance and flexibility: Each owner built a business that supports their lifestyle and personal goals.
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Believe in community: Every location is designed to bring people together through great food and genuine connection.
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Trust the process: Transparent leadership and strong support systems give each owner confidence to grow.
Together, these stories show what modern franchise ownership looks like; intentional, balanced, and built around the people behind the counter as much as the guests in front of it.
The result is more than growth; it’s a ripple effect of positivity that stretches from one city to the next.
Building Your Own Lifestyle Business
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business that reflects who you are, the experiences of these franchise owners offer a simple roadmap.
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Start with your lifestyle goals. Picture the kind of life you want, and then find a concept that supports it.
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Choose a brand that aligns with your values. Look for authenticity, not just opportunity.
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Follow proven systems. A strong franchise foundation gives you structure without sacrificing independence.
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Build relationships early. Community and collaboration turn ownership into something bigger than business.
Each of these owners stepped into franchising for reasons that went far beyond income. They wanted purpose, flexibility, and the chance to shape their days their own way.
We see that same spark in so many of the people we meet; those looking to build something that fits their lifestyle, not the other way around. When you find a business that aligns with your values, the growth feels natural because it comes from a place of passion.
If that sounds like you, it might be time to explore what’s possible. At Toastique Franchising, you can see available markets and learn more about ownership opportunities.
Designing a Life You Love
At the end of the day, these five journeys show what entrepreneurship really looks like now — freedom, purpose, and fulfillment all woven into one.
Owning a business today isn’t about walking away from your old life; it’s about designing one that feels more like you. Maybe you’re a professional ready for a change of pace, a family looking to build something together, or someone who’s finally ready to bet on themselves. Whatever you’re starting, we get it, because that’s exactly where many of our owners began, too.
If you’re ready to see what that could look like for you, take our Franchise Quiz and explore how ownership could fit your lifestyle and goals.
