Franchise Updates
GRAND OPENING! OUR HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISE OPENS IN NEW JERSEY
Toastique, the name synonymous with healthy and yummy gourmet toasts, has just opened our first healthy food franchise in New Jersey, in Stone Harbor. Leading the charge of our Jersey Shore operations is our newest Franchise Owner, Courtney Hoy, an entrepreneur who is determined to bring a convenient, healthy alternative to her town’s fast-casual dining scene. We’re always excited to announce a new Toastique location, but we’re especially excited about the Stone Harbor franchise location because it’s our first one to open outside of the Washington, D.C. area. That’s right, the healthy food franchise that’s got the nation’s capital hooked now has a location in the Garden State, and is heading West even as we speak! The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Friday, May 7 was a proud and deeply satisfying moment for Hoy and the rest of the Toastique team. The event was co-hosted by the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce as the town witnessed the entry of the healthy food franchise chain with its unique, healthy, and artisanal toast creations. A MISSION TO KEEP PEOPLE HEALTHY What makes Courtney Hoy the right person to lead Toastique’s entry into New Jersey? Well, how about her 20-year career at the YMCA for a start? That long stint in a fitness-oriented atmosphere instilled in her the need to foster the holistic and long-term development of people. “Coming from the Y, which is all about keeping people healthy in spirit, mind, and body, trying to keep people healthy has always been a part of me,” she said in an interview last year. “Owning a Toastique is a great opportunity to do this another way.” This underscores the mission that our Founder, Brianna Keefe, has always believed in- creating and serving delicious food that is healthy, distinctive, and wholesome. So, while Hoy’s responsibilities have evolved from those of her role at YMCA, she is certain that her fundamental mission in life remains the same: To help people become better versions of themselves. This profound sense of purpose and fulfillment is something that she shares with all other Franchise Owners and staff members of Toastique. INSPIRED BY ENTREPRENEURS Entrepreneurship isn’t something new for Hoy’s family. Her dad owns his business so she was always privy to the life of an entrepreneur. But her dad wasn’t the only inspiration for her to start something on her own. Hoy is the sister of our CFO and Director of Construction, Kyle Izett. That gave her a unique vantage point to see the growth of the healthy food franchise and its enormous potential. Seeing Kyle and Brianna find monumental success as business owners and Franchisors also inspired her to become an entrepreneur. Hoy saw how Toastique grew from a single location to several stores in Washington in a quick span. She also saw how Keefe and Izett partnered the Franchise Owners every step of the way. She wanted to be part of the Toastique journey and when she was with Kyle and Brianna and spotted the future location of her Jersey Shore Toastique last summer, “It just kind of worked out,” says Courtney. Keefe recalls, “We first saw the space on August 29th, 2020…which was love at first sight…and immediately called the real estate agent and walked the space the same day!” Five days later, Courtney received the lease, and Kyle and Brianna went into overdrive with the rest of the Toastique support crew- facilitating the construction, permitting, interior design, and health inspection processes necessary for opening a healthy food franchise. Courtney Hoy had the full support of the Founders themselves from literally the first moment she decided to invest in a Toastique! FOR FREEDOM, FOR FLEXIBILITY Financial success is only a part of what inspires entrepreneurs. For Hoy, like all other Franchise Owners of Toastique, it was about freedom and flexibility. As she began her entrepreneurial journey to promote wellness through healthy food, she was sure that she didn’t want to neglect the needs of her family. The freedom to decide one’s working hours appealed to this mom of a one-year-old toddler. “I’m a new mom, and I love the idea of being able to set my own schedule,” she says. Hoy is proof that just because you’re building a highly successful business that changes the eating habits of a town doesn’t mean your family can’t still come first. “AMAZING AND OVERWHELMING” Every successful entrepreneur knows one thing about starting a business: You can only launch it once. So, you better get it right the first time around. Which is something Hoy doesn’t have to worry about as her Stone Harbor launch was nothing short of exceptional. Here are the numbers that prove it: 207 Opening weekend orders 3,370 Opening month orders 986 Avaocado Smash toasts 2,583 Gourmet toasts 1,226 Açaí bowls 1,229 Smoothies “Amazing and overwhelming,” as Courtney puts it, is one way to describe the success of the launch. After being open for just over a month, our Stone Harbor location is performing beyond all expectations! Brianna reports, “After only 36 days, [the Stone Harbor location] has been outperforming all of our [corporate-owned] stores in D.C.” But more than the overwhelming success of her first month in business, what’s been gratifying for Courtney has been the response from the customers. She’s delighted with how customers in Stone Harbor have received the healthy, artisanal, and highly Instagrammable toasts. It’s one thing to have repeat customers. For the new Toastique Franchise Owner, it’s a totally different thing when those customers bring their friends to the store. Having people rave about the food she serves them has made it all worthwhile for Courtney. THE JOURNEY TO COURTNEY’S GRAND OPENING In addition to the comprehensive support with construction and buildout of the Stone Harbor location, Hoy was able to open her Toastique healthy food franchise with confidence, thanks to the unparalleled support our Franchise Owners can count on from the Founders themselves! “Kyle and I were up there for over four weeks to make sure this store was up and running smoothly,” says Brianna, adding, “I trained all employees in those four weeks and taught them everything I know!” Additionally, Brianna was on hand to work with all of our vendors, such as our dedicated Washington, D.C. bread vendor, who will be shipping flash-frozen loaves to ensure freshness, as well as local purveyors of produce, to ensure Courtney receives all of the high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients she’ll need. She says, “I also provided them with prep lists and inventory sheets catered to their specific volume and vendors to ensure the most accurate and effective preparedness.” This highly important part of the setup process will be of great value to Franchise Owners as Keefe and the rest of the Toastique team begin establishing relationships with specialty produce vendors in regions across the country. Our commitment to using fresh, local ingredients in each of our menu items is one of the cornerstones of our mission, and we’re serious about upholding that tenet in every market we enter- Brianna will make sure of it! THE FUTURE IS EXCITING If the mounting evidence we’re seeing concerning a shift in people’s eating habits is to be believed, these amazing first-month numbers are only the beginning for Hoy and the rest of the Toastique team. If there’s one lasting good impact of the past year and a half, it’s that people have become more health-conscious. They are mindful of what they consume and its effects on their bodies. Courtney knows that this is excellent news for a healthy food franchise like Toastique. Health and nutrition won’t be just trending topics for a while. With people understanding the importance of personal wellness and the role of food in it, Toastique stands to gain from the health-conscious choices consumers will make. Once they discover the gourmet toasts, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and açaí bowls, they will also realize that healthy can also mean tasty and wholesome. Of course, then there’s the exclusivity. Toastique is the only national healthy food franchise that focuses on gourmet toasts. It’s a market that Toastique has created and one which will grow with each Franchise Owner. The fact that Toastique only allows one Franchise Owner in a territory to avoid crowding and undercutting has also got Hoy excited.“I know it’s going to be the best thing I ever did,” she says. “There is no better feeling in the world than introducing the brand to a new city and witnessing an entirely new clientele rave over it,” Keefe says. “It is such a rewarding feeling and I am happy I get to share it with Courtney and all our future Franchise Owners! From day one, we gained regulars who would come back every single day. We had families that would come for breakfast and lunch in one day! The excitement full of butterflies I get on opening day never gets old so I absolutely cannot wait to feel this feeling over and over again!” You too can make your entrepreneurial dreams come true like Courtney Hoy and others. Click here for more information on how you can have a profitable and future-oriented healthy food franchise with an investment of just $280,750. Like us on Facebook. 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THE FREEDMANS ARE BRINGING OUR HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISE TO DENVER!
At times, all it takes is an internet search for you to turn your lifelong passion into reality. That’s exactly what happened to Brett and Sherry Freedman of Denver. Brett did an online search for “healthy food franchise” and now, he and Sherry will be leading Toastique’s expansion into Colorado with three locations in Denver. That’s right, not one, not two, but three locations! And to think that it all began with Brett typing those three words on Google! PASSIONATE ABOUT HEALTH AND COMMUNITY The fact that they are starting a healthy food franchise shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who knows this Denver couple. For Brett, a technical account manager at Amazon Web Services, and Sherry, a retail district manager, food has always been a passion, along with traveling and working out. They were looking for a business opportunity that matched their healthy lifestyle. In Toastique they found the perfect match. Now this health-conscious couple can share utterly delicious healthy food options with their community. As they say, “Healthy, delicious food can brighten up anyone’s day.” While they enjoy discovering the world, what they equally love is staying home and enjoying time with their family. Brett has also been coaching youth sports, including, football, basketball, and lacrosse for over a decade. That sense of being involved with the community was a major factor in their decision to choose a healthy food franchise. Along with the passion to serve the community, the couple has oodles of drive. They didn’t start a business to take it easy- no way! They chose to become entrepreneurs so that they could “wake up and be excited to get out of bed and get to work.” While doing so, they want to have fun and share that infectious energy with others. FINDING THE RIGHT PARTNER The Freedmans’ Google search led to communication with Hailey Hyde, Development Director at Toastique. The initial engagement was encouraging for Brett and Sherry because they weren’t merely looking for a profitable business idea. They were looking to find the right partner who matched their beliefs. They found that Toastique’s emphasis on a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle matched theirs. They realized that it’s the kind of partnership where they could build a brand together. While doing so, they also knew that they would be connected to the community through the healthy and tasty food they serve. As they got to know more about the brand and how its Franchise Owners have performed, they realized that it would be a successful and fulfilling journey for them. It wouldn’t be an “either-or” situation where they would have to choose between their business or family. With the support of the Toastique corporate team and its Founders, and their lean, viable business model, the Franchise Owners would have time for both business and family. That immensely appealed to the couple who cherish the flexibility and the opportunity to build a better future for their kids. “THE RIGHT FRANCHISE AT THE RIGHT TIME” Brett and Sherry love the delicious food and they love the uniqueness of the brand. Put simply, there isn’t any national or regional food franchise that specializes in healthy toasts, smoothies, or acai bowls. Toastique’s unique selling proposition is unrivaled in the industry. For the Denver couple, “It was the right franchise at the right time.” Secondly, they also loved experiencing a Toastique store firsthand. The fact that the stores are open, clean, and welcoming impressed them. Thirdly, they were delighted with how impeccable the food presentation was. They understood that the unique and stringent brand standards are way above those of other fast or casual dining chains. The couple also noted the energy of the staff. The team seemed excited to work there. They were passionate and proud of the brand. This reflected in their service which seemed to delight the customers. Brett and Sherry found that many of them were repeat customers who were excited to give exceptional social media feedback. “THEY GET IT” That’s how Brett and Sherry describe the Founders, Brianna Keefe and Kyle Izett. The couple loved seeing the stores in person and meeting the Founders. They liked the fact that Brianna and Kyle are highly passionate and motivated entrepreneurs who are focused on delivering results. In other words, the Founders were people they would love to work with. Brett and Sherry saw that the Founders have the ability to take a vision and turn it into reality by focusing on what matters to the business. The hardworking couple isn’t the kind to jump into a business if they don’t feel the entire team is trustworthy and competent. But the Discovery Day allayed any doubts they might have had. Brett and Sherry loved the vibe and flow when they met the whole team. They found the synergy, passion, and drive to be incredibly infectious. They loved the fact that everyone works so well together and is knowledgeable and talented in their roles. Brett and Sherry loved that the team has strong communication skills and is willing to help anyone succeed. That meeting made the Denver couple realize that they were with the right team to build a great business. The overall atmosphere, quality of food, and branding were enlightening and impressive to the new Franchise Owners. When they left DC, they couldn’t wait to open their first Toastique. “We wholeheartedly believe in this brand and collectively, we will deliver fabulous customer experiences,” the Freedmans say. Brianna and Kyle made such an impression on the minds of the couple that they feel that Toastique will be in every US state and will even expand to international markets (Which the couple wants a slice of!) “We are looking to be the first Franchise Owners in some amazing country. That could be the early retirement plan!” TAKE ACTION AND FOLLOW YOUR PASSION For the Freedmans, entrepreneurship is also a process to impart valuable lessons to their children. Through their hard work, dedication, and drive, they want to teach their children that “there are endless possibilities if you are willing to take action and follow your passion.” Brett and Sherry believe that they will be successful because of their passion, drive, and execution. And because they are not doing it just for the profits. They are doing it because they care about the community, health, and well-being of others. What do they have to tell other entrepreneurs wondering whether to do it? “Don’t be afraid to take action and follow your dreams.” If you too want to follow your dreams and build a successful and fulfilling future that gives you freedom and flexibility, click here and see what it takes to become a Toastique Franchise Owner. The investment starts as low as $280,750.
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YOU SHOULD BUY A HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISE IN 2021: HERE’S WHY
If you’ve ever wanted to get into the restaurant industry, this is the right time to do it. The economy is opening up and the pent-up demand for eating out is about to hit the sector. But instead of building an independent restaurant from scratch or being part of a casual fast-food chain, your best bet might be to buy a healthy food franchise. After more than a year in suspended animation, the economy is getting back on track. There was a pause in customers’ engagements with their usual restaurant brands. Now they’re willing to try out new names. This is the best time to start your entrepreneurial journey as customers would be looking to try out new products and formats of services. Let’s pause for a second here. Who’s the ‘you’ in the sentence? Who does this apply for? You should consider buying a healthy food franchise if you are a: ‘Food’ entrepreneur: You’ve always wanted to be in the restaurant industry. You love cooking and serving food. You know all the celebrity chefs and watch all the cooking shows on television. Your social media feed has more than its share of food-related posts.You probably ran a restaurant at some point. Now you’re looking for a concept that’s proven and growing. No matter what, you can’t think of being in any other industry. ‘Non-restaurant’ entrepreneur: You believe entrepreneurship is the way to go. You’re not sure what industry or sector to get into but you’re sure that it’s time to start something on your own. You’ve been looking at viable opportunities and have done your research on at least one. Although you don’t have any experience in the restaurant industry, you know the potential of the sector and you are a fast learner. Business owner: You already run a business, typically, a small-scale, neighborhood venture. It could be a grocery, an office supplies store, or a bookshop. Maybe you’re looking for something with steady growth potential or something that’s immune from the e-commerce competition.You probably have your own commercial space or have ready access to it. You know how to get the necessary approvals and can hire people fast. All you want is a viable idea. If you’re from the restaurant sector, what you need is a future-proof concept. You need something that doesn’t have the usual risks associated with the sector and is in sync with the market demands. Plus, one that doesn’t require any wasted spending. If you’ve never considered the food business, a healthy food franchise is a highly viable opportunity. Amidst all the talk about startups, what we tend to forget is that a business ultimately has to find customers, get consistent revenue, and be stable. A healthy food franchise does all of that. It checks all the boxes. WHY HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISES ARE THE FUTURE As Americans flock to find their new favorite restaurants, the focus will be different this time around. They won’t be blindly patronizing the typical fast-food chains or drive-throughs. They’ll be looking at healthier choices, and restaurants that are not synonymous with healthy food won’t be their priority anymore. The pandemic was the biggest disruptor in the last half a century or more. It brought to a halt all economic and commercial activities and confined us to our homes. In a way, that gave us time to assess our lifestyles. As normalcy returns, people will be looking at alternatives to their previous choices. Eating healthy will be prime among them. But is the pandemic the only reason for people discovering healthy food choices? Is it another trend that’ll go away within a year or so? Should one make a life-changing decision like buying a healthy food franchise based on a fleeting trend? Eating healthy isn’t a trend that people have suddenly discovered. And the pandemic isn’t the only trigger for the growth in the industry. It’s the result of several factors compounding over the years. Let’s take a deep dive to discover why healthy eating is here to stay. OFFSETTING PANDEMIC INERTIA Let’s admit it, the pandemic made us all passive. Work from home meant that there was a substantial reduction in our physical activity. We didn’t have to drive, didn’t have to walk to meetings or the pantry, and didn’t have to take the stairs. Importantly, we couldn’t head to the gym or go for a walk in the park. We were glued to the chair or the couch. Either we were working or binge-watching shows on television or our computers. It also meant that we could snack at any time without fear of being judged by our colleagues. Whether we were at our desk or on the couch, we could afford to eat whatever we wanted. Barring a select, disciplined few, there was not much physical activity, exercise, or healthy eating for the vast majority of us. And now there’s a realization that things have to change. People know that they’ve got to put an end to the unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle they’ve pursued over the last 18 months or so. So, when they step out, they might consider moving away from the usual calorie-ridden fast-food staples and opt for something healthy. INCREASING HEALTH AWARENESS Whether or not they prefer to eat healthily, people are aware of the consequences of unhealthy food. Most people know that there are healthier options that are superior to the mass-produced ones they’ve been consuming. The pandemic has also revealed the problems of obesity that arise from carb-filled diets. Consumers are now aware of the need for a healthy lifestyle that builds immunity. The age-old junk food recipe of fast-food chains will still find takers but there’ll be a perceptible demand for food that’s good for the individual and the local economy. There’s increased demand for everything from organic to locally sourced ingredients. Kombucha, agave, multigrain tortillas, and steel-cut oats may not have been well-known even a few years ago. But today, consumers are asking for such ingredients. Concepts such as plant-based meat, only in the fringes until even two or three years ago, are fully mainstream now. The trend is led by millennials, the largest consumer group in the United States. According to some surveys, 30% of them prefer to eat organic, while the demand for gluten-free or low-carb options is steadily growing. Consumers are also mindful of where their food is sourced from and its carbon footprint. Locally sourced food that supports the local economy and independent farmers is preferred over others. Sustainability is also of the utmost importance to this new breed of consumers who don’t mind spending extra for ethically sourced food. Women are at the forefront of choosing healthful foods that are low-calorie and low-fat. Their behavioral and buying intentions are more pronounced than those of men. Since women play a significant role in where a family gets to eat, this will be good news for healthy food franchises. MEDIA EXPOSURE One of the biggest drivers towards healthy eating has been cooking shows and their celebrity chefs on television. Until a few years ago, visual appeal and taste were the primary features to judge the food. But the various food shows have changed those yardsticks. Now there’s an increasing focus on how healthy what’s on the plate is. There has also been an explosion of ‘healthy celebrity’ chefs with massive followings on social media. This moved healthy food options from the periphery to the mainstream. Ingredients that were otherwise considered too offbeat, like kale, quinoa, or asparagus, are now in the spotlight due to the efforts of these chefs. It also made healthy food tastier. The earlier assumption was that if the food was healthy, it certainly wouldn’t be appetizing. The cooking shows and the Instagram feeds of these celebrity chefs have changed that notion. People now know that they can have food that’s organic, gluten-free, nutritious, sustainable, and tasty. With the normalization of healthy food, there’s increasing peer pressure to opt for healthier diets. When all their friends and colleagues start posting about superfood smoothies and juice cleanses, there’s a social endorsement for healthy eating. That makes it easy to suggest a healthy food franchise when eating out. It also encourages people to post their healthful food on social media which creates a virtuous cycle. WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A HEALTH FOOD FRANCHISE INSTEAD OF STARTING AN INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT As we’ve seen, there’s a demonstrable move towards healthier diets and healthy foods. If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s the right space to get into. But some of you might wonder why you’ve to buy a franchise. What’s wrong with building one from scratch? After all, buying a franchise is joining a business, as opposed to starting something, right? Plus, when you build a restaurant, you get the chance to name it and make it yours. So, why buy a health food franchise? SAFER INVESTMENT Starting something entails a significant amount of risk. Setting up the restaurant means investing in a place, getting all the necessary equipment, finding the right staff, and then creating a viable menu. Even with all that, there’s no guarantee that customers will flock to your place. When you buy a proven healthy food franchise, you’re minimizing your risk. The concept has already been successful in other markets which means that so you don’t have to start from scratch. That business model will show you where you have to focus and where you don’t have to splurge. PROVEN MENU If you’re starting an independent health food restaurant, you’ll have to spend a significant amount of time coming up with the right menu that has the right value proposition. It’ll have to be different and in sync with customer expectations. Also, it can’t be merely trendy as the initial interest may go down soon. As a restaurant entrepreneur, you may have to experiment for months until you find a functional and profitable selection. With a healthy food franchise, you’re getting a menu that customers already like. The experimentation and optimization have already been done. COST AND TIME SAVINGS Every new business needs to attract customers and the products may not be enough to entice them. When launching an independent restaurant, since there’s little brand equity or awareness, you’ll have to spend on the ambiance and interior decoration. Other than the expected costs, you’ll also be wasting time on this front. When you buy a health food franchise, you’re also buying a proven format. There’s no need to needlessly spend on infrastructure or interiors. You only have to repeat what has already worked elsewhere. This saves you money and time. MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS Building a restaurant from scratch means focusing on one thing until it works. Most fast-casual dining establishments are geared toward increasing walk-ins with delivery as an afterthought. This reliance on a single revenue source can be risky and limiting to growth. Depending on the franchise you buy, you may get one with several revenue streams. If the walk-ins are slow for some reason, you can always turn to other sources to maintain your revenue. Some established brands are also good at catering. All these translate to steady and growing revenue, which is something every business needs. BUILT-IN BRAND EQUITY Any product or service needs to be advertised to get people interested. If you’re launching an independent restaurant, you’ll have to spend on marketing to influence and persuade customers. So, you’ll have to start from scratch and think of a unique brand name. Then you’ll have to pay an advertising or design agency to design the logo, menu, signboards, staff uniform, and all other marketing collateral. As anyone who’s ever been involved in the launch of a product or service will tell you, all these will take time. Once you finalize a name, logo, and other design elements, it’ll be time to market your brand. You may have to create and release newspaper ads, billboards, leaflets, and even go for paid promotion on newspapers or find an influencer on social media. You may also have to do public relations through food bloggers or restaurant critics. Along with that, you’ll have to hire a digital marketing agency. Then it’s time to create a website, run a digital marketing campaign with paid ads, and work on your local search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Of course, then comes the important task of building social media profiles and getting followers. All these will require consistent investments. Even with the best digital marketing strategies, your social media pages and website will need some time to gain traction. Remember that you’ll have to pay the advertising or digital marketing agency on top of the media costs involved with the campaigns. If marketing is new territory for you, it would be sensible to hire someone who’s experienced. That too will cost money. There’s something else that most entrepreneurs forget about digital marketing and social media in particular. It’s that creating assets can also be expensive and time-consuming. For example, you’ll have to hire a professional photographer or videographer to take pictures and videos of the food, the restaurant, your staff, etc. for your social media pages. One of the greatest advantages of buying an established healthy food franchise is that you don’t have to do most of the above. The brand would – or rather should – be well-known and hence there won’t be any need to advertise it. Aside from the savings, this means that you can launch faster. You’ll also save time that you’d otherwise have spent on designing your collateral and getting your digital assets in order. The healthy food brand would have a website and social media presence. Some of them even have thousands of followers on Instagram which will make your task exponentially easy. You won’t have to start your follower count from zero and rely on paid promotion for visibility. Your business already would’ve followers. Once the brand mentions your new location, those followers who’re in your vicinity would be excited to know more about you. Plus, there’s no need to spend time and money taking photographs and videos. The brand’s existing digital marketing team would be glad to assist you with those. CHOOSE WELL AND START YOUR HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISE JOURNEY It makes immense sense to buy a healthy food franchise to minimize your risk and maximize your returns. What you want is a growing brand with a proven business model and credible social media presence, like Toastique. Along with the exceptionally high returns, multiple revenue streams, and the lean model, what the brand also offers is a network spearheaded by the Founders to help new Franchise Owners. Plus, Franchise Owners will have exclusivity on their zones to avoid needless competition that’ll erode the brand equity and drive down prices. To know more about this immensely profitable opportunity, please visit our franchise website for more information. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. (Warning: May result in intense cravings- visit at your own risk!)
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WE’RE MUCH MORE THAN JUST A TOAST FRANCHISE! DISCOVER TOASTIQUE
After an exceptionally challenging year, the restaurant industry is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Government benefits, rising employment, increasing disposable income, and the massive pent-up demand from the pandemic months are fueling this growth. For the industry, including toast franchises, things are about to look much better. Not all restaurants were affected the same way during the pandemic. Some sectors like breakfast franchises were able to weather the storm better than others. That’s due to the inherent advantages and efficiencies they offer through the adoption of technology. Quick service restaurants (QSRs), with digital ordering, takeaway-friendly menus, and strict adherence to hygiene protocols stand to benefit from the growth in the industry. Plus, formal dinner or fine-dining establishments will still have to wait for customers to feel confident about indoor dining. Franchises specializing in brunch or breakfast will have an advantage over other restaurants in this new reality. That doesn’t mean all breakfast franchises or QSRs will grow at the same level. Some have distinct differences that place them well above the rest. Toastique, for example, has not only made a mark among breakfast franchises but is also redefining fast-casual dining. It isn’t just a toast franchise; it’s an economical, consumer-friendly, and future-oriented concept that’s been proven in several markets. HOW TOASTIQUE IS DIFFERENT FROM THE REST The ordinary breakfast or brunch franchise specializes in speedy delivery of the same dishes. The focus is not on reimagining the menu, creatively approaching it, or making it healthy but churning out more and more of the same. Toastique is different because it has made the universally common toast a gourmet dish through exceptional creativity. GOURMET CREATIONS There’s toast and then there’s Toastique! Rather than the plain old boring kind of toast served as a side dish at most breakfast and brunch spots, Toastique offers creative renditions of the concept. Whether it’s the Greek version or the Avocado Smash, Toastique’s offerings are distinct and effortlessly appealing. The toasts are customizable gourmet creations served on wood cutting boards for added appeal. It’s not just the gourmet toasts that have got customers rallying behind the brand. The smoothies and acai bowls are unlike anything you’ll find at any ordinary casual dining or breakfast outlet. The fresh juices and toasts stand out from the crowd because of the attention to detail that has gone into them. RUSTIC & CHIC Think of any standard breakfast or brunch chain and you’ll think of the same interiors. Again, the focus is on familiarity and speed rather than creativity or character. This results in uninspiring and bland exteriors and interiors. Sophisticated design and interiors seem to be the monopoly of only fine dining businesses. Toastique destroys that cliche. Its interiors are rustic and chic. The aim is to deliver the ambiance of a boutique restaurant rather than a speedy brunch service. From the wood cutting boards to the color scheme inside, Toastique creates a brand experience that’s premium and refined but one that’s also affordable. HEALTHY MENU While before there was a discernible trend toward healthy eating, the pandemic has added pace to it. There’s widespread awareness of the dangers of unbalanced eating habits. Now the focus is on the consumption of wholesome and healthy food, especially, when ordering from outside. Toastique will gain from this consumer movement because the brand was created to fill that need gap. Toastique Founder Brianna Keefe, while in college, realized that almost all the breakfast or brunch restaurants were demonstrably unhealthy. She wanted to create a restaurant that would deliver healthy meals that could be made and consumed quickly. With Toastique, she proved that health, convenience, and speed could co-exist. Healthy cold-pressed juices, delicious and wholesome smoothies, and of course, creative toasts were what she came up with in reply to the prevailing unhealthy menus of major fast-food chains. And consumers flocked to her Washington, D.C. outlet for this unique and healthy combination. LOCALLY SOURCED More and more consumers are aware of the need for sustainable practices in the restaurant industry. They demand that the outlets serving them adhere to policies that will help the local economies in which they operate. The other fast-dining restaurant chains can’t meet those customer expectations as they have centralized procurement and distribution. Their focus is on uniformity rather than flexibility. In their efforts to offer standardized menus with little room for customization, there’s little room for local suppliers. But it’s different at Toastique. As the brand likes to say, no ingredient comes out of a package at Toastique. The Franchise Owners use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that the brand is rooted in the place it operates. UNIVERSAL APPEAL This is a significant difference between Toastique and almost all fast-casual chains, whether they specialize in breakfast or dinner. The other chains are decidedly focused on a particular set of customers, whether it is families or working professionals. Toastique, because of its varied, wholesome menu and chic and rustic appeal, delights all customer groups. For those who go to health clubs, cold-pressed juices are an excellent post-workout option. For parents looking for a healthy and nutritious brunch for their kids, the brand offers delicious toasts. For those on a strict diet who still crave something sweet, açaí bowls are irresistible. CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY FORMAT The usual brunch outlets focus mostly on a dine-in format to accommodate as many families as possible. While this may have worked years ago, it’s not suited for the post-pandemic shifts in customer behaviors. There’s increasing demand for contactless interactions at restaurants. Due to credible fears about the spread of communicable diseases like COVID-19, customers want to limit their contact with large crowds. This doesn’t bode well for the traditional establishments. Toastique is poised to reap the benefits of this shift in consumer expectations. The brand has a grab-and-go format that benefits both delivery and takeout options. Plus, digital ordering has always been an option at Toastique that makes it the ideal candidate to serve the demands of a post-pandemic world. The format also ensures that consumers can fit their consumption into their routines. Someone coming from a workout can easily order a cold-pressed juice or smoothie and either enjoy it there or take it home. OWN A TOASTIQUE FRANCHISE Toastique is successfully disrupting the fast-casual breakfast and brunch industry with its unique and healthy menu, chic ambiance, and consumer-friendly formats. You too can become a Franchise Owner with an initial investment of $280,750 and gain from the brand’s popularity without spending anything on marketing. The brand’s clutter-breaking proposition and an exceptionally efficient business model also include multiple revenue streams including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering. Click here to learn how Toastique can help you become a successful entrepreneur in the fast-dining sector.
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WHICH BREAKFAST FRANCHISE IS SET TO BE THE FAN FAVORITE FOR 2021?
What does the landscape look like for restaurants in 2021? Now that the world has opened up a bit more, Americans can’t wait to head to their favorite eateries. After the past 18 months or so, all of us have been waiting to unshackle the restraints of remote work and social distancing. As we do that, breakfast and brunch franchises will top the list of destinations for many a family. It’s a uniquely satisfying experience. To order from or dine in at a breakfast or brunch franchise in the company of family or friends. It’s an excellent start to the day and a ritual for millions of people that had to be halted during the pandemic. Now that restrictions are being lifted around the nation, it’s time to hit our preferred spots again. But which ones? What are the breakfast and brunch franchises that stand out from the clutter? Which ones have stood the test of time and which ones are designed to meet the demands of tomorrow? Which ones have an irresistible combination of the right menu, distinct ambiance, and friendly format? To make it easy for you, we have selected the four brunch franchises that are already either household names or are about to be. Here are our picks for breakfast franchises that stand out as fan favorites every time. 4 BRUNCH FRANCHISES TO CHECK OUT IN 2021 1. TOASTIQUE Most brunch franchises approach toast as an afterthought that doesn’t need any imagination. Not the people at Toastique. They realized that the good old toast needed a reinvention. And they’ve done it…and how! The gourmet toasts you find at Toastique are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. It’s a modern and creative rendition that’s delicious and exceptionally appealing. But it isn’t just the appearance where Toastique scores. The menu is focused on the health-conscious consumer who doesn’t like to compromise. Cold-pressed juices and açaí bowls are only some of the reasons behind the brand’s growing popularity. The fact that they use only locally sourced ingredients places them rooted in the communities they serve. And of course, the chic, rustic feel of Toastique might make you think that you’re at a premium boutique outlet. The brunch franchise also has a grab-and-go format suited to the changing consumer demands of a post-COVID world. Customers are increasingly asking for non-crowded outlets that enable digital ordering and contact-less service. Since these are inbuilt into Toastique’s model, the brand hasn’t had to reorient its services. Toastique’s gourmet creations and chic decor have also made the brand exceptionally Instagrammable. Without any paid media or marketing during their first year in business, the brand managed to grow to over 6,000 followers on Instagram! Their health-focused power meals and all-natural smoothies are redefining the standard fast-casual dining in the brunch space and winning followers online. This crowd-sourced marketing and word-of-mouth have demonstrable impacts on the brand’s bottom line. In a highly challenging environment, Toastique’s first location in Washington DC earned over $1 million in its first year of operation. That’s a single outlet without any influencer marketing or media outreach. 2. IHOP Think pancakes and most people would quickly think of just one name. That’s because few things are as inherently American as a breakfast of pancakes at IHOP, or if you’re feeling fancy, the International House of Pancakes, which makes it a compulsory destination for millions of families nationwide. From the classic buttermilk pancakes to the Mexican trés leches, the brand has it all. What makes it exceedingly appealing and enduring is the simplicity with which IHOP approaches its menu. No needless tinkering, just a laser-sharp focus on providing dishes that answer their customers’ cravings. Breakfast at IHOP can be a feast for the entire family. It’s a remarkable experience and a distinctly American one at that. But it isn’t just the buttermilk pancakes and crepes that people like at IHOP. Their scrambled eggs, sausage links, smoked bacon strips, omelets, Belgian waffles, syrup caddy, and burritos and bowls are equally sumptuous. Like most brunch franchises (but not all), IHOP too was severely affected by the pandemic. The brand has had to reexamine its menu and delivery models. The IHOP ’N GO Family Feasts were the brand’s answer to customers’ reservations about dine-in. Still, if there’s one thing consumers know, it’s that pancakes and waffles don’t tend to travel well, leaving IHOP’s takeout and delivery strategy up in the air if we ever have to return to dine-in restrictions again. 3. WAFFLE HOUSE The whole world may be going health conscious but Waffle House knows what works for its patrons. And that is comfort food that has all the traditional charm and unrestrained love for an old-fashioned breakfast. Maybe that’s why they stick to the basics. If it has worked so well for so long, why unnecessarily change it? Why chase the calorie-conscious when the existing customers treat it as an indulgence? So, how well has it worked? Well, if your brand has over 2,100 locations, you bet it’s worked remarkably well. And everything is designed around, you guessed it, waffles. Every day you’ll find hundreds of thousands frequenting the brand for lunch and dinner but their breakfast is what most people remember them for. While there are hash browns, sausages, sandwiches, steak, and burgers, it’s waffles people seek. So, why do people frequent a brand that doesn’t care that much about health-conscious diets? Because it reminds Americans about an intrinsic part of their childhoods. It takes them back to a time when breakfast was simple, homemade, and delightfully traditional, and simple. Every day, people across the country head to their outlets to relive those wholesome moments. Waffle House, in that sense, is in the business of serving memories. However, due to growing concerns about how what we put into our bodies affects our overall health, Waffle House has become synonymous with one of America’s guilty pleasures, rather than as a viable, go-to option for frequent breakfast dining. 4. CRACKER BARREL Looking for a traditional Southern breakfast? Can’t go wrong with Cracker Barrel! Starting in Tennessee, the brand has now become a ubiquitous sight around highways, and a go-to destination for road-trippers and locals alike. Cracker Barrel’s decor can be best described as resembling an old-fashioned general store from the South. Rocking chairs, front porch, and fireplace are elements common to its outlets. Its commitment to the Southern way of life isn’t just limited to the food or the ambiance. The brand’s deeply committed to everything from country music to support for war veterans. So, how Southern is the menu? From the very first outlet, it started serving catfish, fried chicken, and biscuits. Cracker Barrel now is synonymous with country bacon, ham steaks, fried apples, and apple butter, grits, and pancake mix served with natural syrup. Their eggs-in-the-basket and hash browns are also crowd favorites. What’s important to remember is that the restaurant chain has two menus – one for breakfast which is served all day and one for lunch and dinner. You can walk in any time and order a classic breakfast dish. Those who are trying to stay on the lighter side for breakfast fare may not find a lot on the menu to choose from, but Cracker Barrel is an enduring part of Americana that is a genuine pleasure for the occasional Sunday family brunch. YOUR TURN NOW As you can see, when it comes to breakfast and brunch spots, consumers have a broad range of choices. From the health-conscious to the traditional, there’s a world of options out there. And most of it is just a short drive away. But if you’re thinking like a potential Franchise Owner, it’s important to consider where the future of breakfast is headed. People are becoming more health-conscious than ever, particularly in light of the events of last year, and are really taking stock of what they’re putting into their bodies. Moreover, with uncertainty still surrounding the future of dine-in eating, it’s important to select a breakfast franchise with an easy-to-pivot model so you can be sure you’re always a step ahead of the game. 2021 just may be the best year to invest in a breakfast franchise concept in a long time. With the restaurant industry beginning to bounce back in a big way, coupled with real estate prices at all-time lows in some communities, this could be your chance to become a successful entrepreneur. What you have to do is look for a brand that has a future-friendly and health-conscious menu, friendly format, and proven revenue streams. A brand like Toastique, that’s poised to reap the benefits of the post-pandemic customer demands and a steady, growing, and profitable business model. Click here to join the tribe of entrepreneurs who are rewriting their futures by becoming Franchise Owners of Toastique.
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WHAT KIND OF NEIGHBORHOOD DOES OUR TOAST FRANCHISE THRIVE IN?
It’s difficult to believe that Toastique has only been awarding toast franchise locations in cities across the United States for a year now. Looking at the growth of our Franchise Owners, the interest we’ve had from entrepreneurs around the country, and the phenomenal response from our customers, you might think that we’ve been around for ages. Since its establishment in 2018, Toastique has grown by leaps and bounds since first franchising in 2020. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT LOCATION A crucial factor that has led to the success of the brand is the neighborhoods it operates in. Unlike other fast-casual franchises, Toastique is not interested in a wild spree of store openings with little understanding of the target market and their connection to the brand’s identity and mission. Of course, the other unique attributes of the brand also help Toastique win the hearts and minds of customers. Delectable gourmet sandwiches, cold-pressed juices, and açaí bowls have always been a crowd favorite. Their beautiful, Instagrammable look coupled with the fact that they’re supremely healthy gets Toastique enviable brand recognition without having to spend much on marketing. Then, there’s the rustic and boutique charm of each store that elevates the experience. When you learn that everything’s made from locally sourced ingredients for a convenient grab-and-go format, you understand why Toastique’s growing so incredibly well. But along with all that, what makes it work is the curated list of regions it operates in. Our Founder, Brianna Keefe, has always believed that Toastique should be selective about which markets it opens in so that it doesn’t sully the brand image, or, importantly, hurt the profit potential of our hardworking Franchise Owners. Therefore, the team works had to ensure that there is a brand-fit between Toastique and the market to which it caters. From the successes of the existing stores, the brand has developed some insights about the ideal neighborhood for a Toastique outlet. If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to partner with the brand and become a Franchise Owner, here’s how you can spot the right neighborhood for your operations. SIGNS OF AN EXCELLENT TOASTIQUE NEIGHBORHOOD WELL POPULATED A brand like Toastique works better in densely populated residential areas. These could be close to offices, universities, colleges, hotels, or other commercial centers. The key here is that the outlet should be in an area that naturally sees high foot traffic. A place frequented by tourists is also well-suited for a Toastique outlet. It also means that the location shouldn’t be on highways or places with little routine traffic. Customers shouldn’t be expected to go out of their way to find a Toastique. PREDOMINANTLY WHITE-COLLAR The target consumer of Toastique is educated and middle to upper-middle class. This doesn’t mean that others don’t frequent our outlets. What it means is that typically, our brand flourishes in and around communities populated by professionals. The primary reason could be that what we offer is unmatched in the industry. That requires a rethinking of the traditional choices for the individual and their families. It also means that people who are aware of better options – and those who demand them – prefer Toastique. HEALTH-CONSCIOUS MINDSET One primary distinguishing aspect of a Toastique customer is that they’re more aware of the need for healthy food and lifestyles. These are not individuals who’re wedded to their couches and continue consuming countless calories every day. No, the brand is decidedly for those individuals who demand healthier breakfast and brunch choices. So, the ideal Toastique neighborhood would have health clubs, fitness centers, Pilates studios, or yoga studios. Even if the store is in a commercial center, there will be some of these health and wellness spots nearby. We’ve also noted that several of our regulars pick up their cold-pressed juices after their workouts and have integrated Toastique into their routines. OUTDOORSY COMMUNITY Another standout feature of our franchise locations is that the members of our communities love being outdoors. It could be a coastal borough with waterfronts or a downtown district with its walkaways. Whatever it is, the neighborhood is typically one that incentivizes and celebrates people spending time outdoors. This has both practical and behavioral advantages for a Franchise Owner. If people spend more time outdoors, they’re more likely to interact with the brand and become its customers. What’s important is that these are not transient consumers but people who go outdoors as part of their routine. As we’ve seen from our existing outlets, our customer retention is assuredly high. The fact that they’re more likely to be out at the same place next week assures our Franchise Owners of regular repeat purchases. Secondly, those who spend time outdoors, whether on walks, jogs, trails, or hikes, are also usually health-conscious. These are not individuals who would choose the same old calorie-filled offerings from the traditional fast-casual chains. They would want something healthier, something that matches their lifestyles. TOURIST DESTINATIONS We’ve also noticed from the success of our Franchise Owners that the brand works well if the neighborhood or a nearby area is a vacation spot. It need not be a top tourist destination but one that draws crowds regularly. It can also be a seasonal haven where people flock to their second homes during the summer. From our outlet at The Wharf in Washington, D.C. to the one at the famed Jersey Shore, this has been an unmissable element to the success of our stores. Perhaps it’s the uniqueness of the menu that visitors usually can’t find in their hometowns or their daily lives. Or, the reason could be that the rustic and quaint charm of Toastique appeals to those looking for something authentic and meaningful. DO YOU HAVE A TOAST FRANCHISE LOCATION IN MIND? Maybe it’s where you grew up or went to college. Or it could be near where you work or vacation. But if you have a location in mind, we can help you become a successful entrepreneur as a Toastique Franchise Owner. We will give you all the necessary guidance and offer exclusivity for an approximately two-mile radius so that you don’t end up competing with other Franchise Owners. To know more and to live the life of your dreams, click here.
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WHAT DROVE THIS FORMER D1 ATHLETE TO START A TOAST FRANCHISE?
College athletes are certainly interested in healthy food and an active lifestyle. But few think of starting a healthy breakfast franchise and inspiring others to become entrepreneurs. That is unless you’re Toastique Founder Brianna Keefe. AHEAD OF HER TIME Brianna was always interested in the restaurant business. But she wasn’t too fond of the standard industry practices. She disliked the way food was commoditized with the focus being only on speed. She had always wanted to open a café but not like the ones she was used to. Healthy eating hardly seemed a concern for the fast-food giants. While the emphasis was placed on convenience – mostly to the restaurants – Brianna knew things could be better. The D1 athlete wanted to serve food that she and athletes and other health-conscious people would love. It had to have proteins, the right fats, and carbohydrates. Also, it had to be easy to carry. None of that leaky, messy fast-food that most outlets dish out. THE BREAKTHROUGH IDEA So, she experimented in college. You know, with toasts. They’ve been a breakfast staple for generations but as Brianna realized, little had been done to reinvent the good old toast. She worked to change that, creating delicious gourmet toasts that were as healthy as they were appealing. But she didn’t want to limit her offerings to healthy toasts. They had to be complemented by equally healthy options that you normally wouldn’t think of pairing with toasts. She found her answer in cold-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and others. By adding toasts to juices, she rightly felt that “you’re adding a whole new level to the business.” Now, her menu looked healthy, different, and wholesome. All that was left was finding the right spot to open her breakfast franchise. A SPOT BY THE WATER She found it while on a walk in The Wharf area in Washington DC. Brianna saw the location and immediately could imagine her healthy cafe and juice bar there. She “fell in love right from the start.” The next step was building an outlet that was minimal, elegant, exciting, and welcoming. Which was a challenge that her boyfriend, Kyle Izett, with a background in commercial construction, gladly accepted. From designing to building, it took just 40 days. In a little over a month, Brianna Keefe’s dream came true in the form of Toastique’s first location. But what happened next was beyond her wildest dreams. SUCCESSFUL…AND HOW! It would be an understatement to call Toastique’s first franchise location a success. In its first year of operation, the outlet brought in over a million dollars in revenue! What makes it exceptional is the fact that the Founders did nothing to market their brand. Customers just fell in love with her gourmet toasts and healthy smoothies. Those who had a taste of Toastique wanted more and became repeat customers. There was also significant word-of-mouth marketing from existing customers that brought in new visitors. The brand started gaining traction without any promotional push. There were no giant hoardings, no newspaper ads, and no digital marketing campaigns. It was people experiencing a product, loving it, buying it again, and sharing it with their friends and families. Toastique opened its second breakfast franchise in under a year and the third in less than two years, finding success in each new market even despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying challenges. With more Franchise Owners joining the brand, the future looks exciting for this brand that’s redefining the brunch experience for thousands of customers. BRIANNA’S BELIEFS For the Founder, this has been more than an entrepreneurial journey. It’s the validation of her beliefs and confirmation that customers will always support a venture if it solves their problems and adds value to their lives. Product first That’s one of the primary lessons an entrepreneur can learn from Brianna. Focus on your product first. When launching your business, it’s easy to get caught up in the administrative chores. But to make a difference, an entrepreneur needs to put all their energies into making a product that’s unique, appealing, and hugely relevant. No amount of marketing or public relations can save a half-baked product. Eventually, customers will know the truth, and the business will suffer. Not transactional but experiential Brianna was always keen on making Toastique an experience rather than a mere outlet. Everything from the design of the place to its menu to food presentation was created as an exciting and meaningful experience for the visitors. As she states, the intent was to deliver a “destination where you can enjoy a whole meal and a whole experience.” That’s one of the reasons Toastique won the coveted Best New Restaurant of DC in 2019. Yes, in the first year of its operations! Create a culture The unique toasts and cold-pressed juices are only part of what Toastique offers. It’s also elegantly user-friendly. Brianna always knew that what Toastique offers should be “easy to understand” and not packaged in pretentious language, or design. “Everything here is good,” says the former athlete. “We’ve created a culture that makes people want to come back.” Multiple revenue streams What makes Toastique successful in exceptionally challenging circumstances is that it offers Franchise Owners several revenue streams. Customers can dine-in, take out, or get their orders delivered. In a world where contact-less ordering is on everyone’s minds, this format flexibility has served the brand well. Plus, Franchise Owners can also cater to events. JOIN BRIANNA Toastique is looking for Franchise Owners across the US. We’re looking for strong candidates with commitment and a desire to build a healthy food brand that’s rooted in the community it serves. If you have any business management or food industry experience, it will be a significant advantage. As Franchise Owners have found out, the relationship between the Founder and new Owners isn’t purely functional. Brianna and her team will guide and help you along the way to ensure your success. There will be comprehensive training on all aspects of running a Toastique outlet. Click here to learn more.
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TOASTIQUE EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MEET NICOLE VALENTIN!
If you’re an entrepreneur hoping to get into a successful breakfast franchise business, you should be willing to work hard and learn from the successes and failures of others. But there’s another truth about entrepreneurship that few people talk about. No one makes it alone. You need the help and guidance of someone who cares about you, who’s knowledgeable about the industry, and who can help you avoid the mistakes most people make. In other words, an individual who’s invested in your success. Without a guide and mentor like this, you’ll waste your time and effort. NURTURING CULTURE AT TOASTIQUE At Toastique, we’re not just about giving our customers healthy and sumptuous toasts and cold-pressed juices in an aspirational ambiance. We’re also about supporting our Franchise Owners and their staff every step of the way. One of the key individuals who’s responsible for guiding and nurturing our Franchise Owners is Nicole Valentin. In charge of the employee hiring and development program, Nicole’s focus is on nurturing, shaping, and sustaining the overall cultural strategy. Brianna Keefe, the Founder of Toastique has always believed that, other than our products, employees are how and why we will differentiate ourselves in the market. As our loyal customers have found out, employees are a key part of the Toastique experience across markets. Nicole’s mandate is to train and nurture those key assets and deliver demonstrable benefits to Franchise Owners. In her current position, she directly supports the CEO, CFO, and COO at Toastique. NURTURING CULTURE AT TOASTIQUE At Toastique, we’re not just about giving our customers healthy and sumptuous toasts and cold-pressed juices in an aspirational ambiance. We’re also about supporting our Franchise Owners and their staff every step of the way. One of the key individuals who’s responsible for guiding and nurturing our Franchise Owners is Nicole Valentin. In charge of the employee hiring and development program, Nicole’s focus is on nurturing, shaping, and sustaining the overall cultural strategy. Brianna Keefe, the Founder of Toastique has always believed that, other than our products, employees are how and why we will differentiate ourselves in the market. As our loyal customers have found out, employees are a key part of the Toastique experience across markets. Nicole’s mandate is to train and nurture those key assets and deliver demonstrable benefits to Franchise Owners. In her current position, she directly supports the CEO, CFO, and COO at Toastique. THE RELATIONSHIP BUILDER Building businesses and relationships come easy to Nicole who has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech. She comes with an extensive background in the construction industry. She was associated with various firms and projects in the DC area for more than five years. She met Kyle Izett, Toastique’s CFO and Director of Construction when they were colleagues at a construction firm. She kept in touch with him and when an opportunity opened up, Kyle reached out to her, and Nicole was delighted to come on board. What she liked about Toastique when joining was the fact that we’re building a healthy lifestyle and encouraging people to make wholesome choices. One of the biggest advantages of being a Franchise Owner with Toastique is that you’ll be able to get into the market faster than most restaurant franchises in the country. That’s because of the highly efficient, economical, and optimized build-out process that the brand specializes in. Kyle spearheads Toastique’s build-out systems and Nicole is instrumental in partnering with Franchise Owners and enabling them to construct viable, economical, efficient, and aspirational outlets for their business to flourish. Her background in construction also comes in handy when she has to assist construction managers with construction and inspection processes as and when needed. As Toastique’s Director of Strategy and Development and a member of the Executive Team, Nicole’s primary responsibility is to make it easy for Franchise Owners to help build the outlet and hire and train the right employees. She helps Franchise Owners with established workflows and standardized procedures for faster build-outs and easier employee onboarding. SIMILAR CHARACTER, REGIONAL NUANCES Toastique has made a distinct mark in the breakfast franchise space due to its unique healthy toasts, cold-pressed juices, and ambiance that’s markedly different from that of other fast-food brands. All the outlets have a similar style and structure and it’s Nicole’s responsibility to ensure that the brand experience stays the same irrespective of the location. She regularly engages with architects and others responsible for the build-out to ensure that a Toastique customer will feel at home no matter what city they experience the brand in. This calls for strict adherence to brand identity protocols. Nicole ensures that Franchise Owners know what those are and helps them build spaces that will attract the consumer base that the brand has set its eyes on. But that doesn’t mean Toastique doesn’t assimilate influences from its markets. While each outlet will have common elements, they will also have motifs inspired by their location. For Nicole, those are the “little touches that are specific to each.” An excellent example is a mural in the DC outlet which is inspired by the location. The management has also empowered Franchise Owners to choose artworks that appeal to them and have distinct relations with the location. They can also opt for something they may have a preference for. These ensure that each outlet, while common in appearance and experience, offers admirable decorative and artistic nuances that the local consumers would appreciate. ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF SOMETHING GREAT That’s how Nicole feels about her job at Toastique. The architecture graduate is aware that the Founders are not building just another fast-food brand. She knows that she’s part of a larger movement that’s changing the way people view brunch. Something that inspires people to pursue healthy and active lifestyles, which is the need of the hour. As she’s assisting with the build-out on the first Toastique outlet in Denver, she can’t wait for the grand opening when customers in the region would experience a healthy, nutritious, and wholesome brand that she had a part in building. While that might be the reward for most people, for Nicole, being around such gourmet food is in itself satisfying. “I can’t resist being around such delicious food,” she says. “But at least, it’s healthy.” LEARN HOW NICOLE CAN HELP YOU BUILD YOUR FRANCHISE If you’ve ever wondered about taking on the restaurant industry by opening a breakfast franchise like Toastique, this is the right time. As the economy opens up, Americans are returning to restaurants. But now they want healthier and nutritious choices as there is widespread awareness about the dangers of traditional fast food. By being a Franchise Owner with Toastique, you can build a profitable business with an established business model that has multiple revenue streams. Visit our franchise website for more information on how you can build and launch a successful business in a few months.
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WHAT ROLE DOES SEAN KEEFE PLAY IN YOUR BRUNCH FRANCHISE SUCCESS?
Businesses don’t succeed just because they have a founder with an exceptional idea. They need individuals who can handle the day-to-day operations, leaving the Founders to handle the big picture and take it to the next level. This is true for businesses across sectors, whether you’re planning to start a brunch franchise or marketing agency. Toastique needed such an individual to take care of its franchise relationships, manager training, and everything else that a Franchise Owner would need to get their outlet up and running. The individual in this role would ideally need a background in hospitality and be proficient in project management. Luckily, our Founder Brianna Keefe didn’t have to look far for such a talented and experienced professional. She found one in her family. With his project management background, commitment to health and wellness, and years of hospitality industry experience, her brother Sean Keefe was the right person to become Toastique’s Director of Operations. ALWAYS INTO HEALTH The Keefe siblings had hopes of following their parents’ footsteps and entering the medical field. Both Brianna and Sean went to James Madison University, with Sean initially wanting to become a pharmacist and Brianna’s original aspiration to be a pediatrician. But as we know, they found their calling in a different health-oriented industry. Sean wasn’t a stranger to the hospitality industry. He has been in the sector since the age of 14. Although after college he was doing project management for government agencies, he was also helping his sister build Toastique. The brother-sister duo was “always hand-in-hand,” as Sean says. Both decided to enter the hospitality sector. Both moved to the Washington, D.C. area. And, now both are in the Toastique brunch franchise business together. One of the reasons why Sean finds his role a natural fit is that Toastique combines two of the Keefes’ passions- hospitality and health. It isn’t just another brunch franchise or fast-food chain with traditional junk food. Toastique’s healthy and delicious toasts and cold-pressed juices are centered around the long-term health needs of its customers. “We went through so many trials and tribulations when we were making the menu,” Sean recalls about the early stages of Toastique. But their love for good food and good health was all the inspiration they needed to stay the course and grow the brand. HEALTHY BRUNCH FRANCHISE, HEALTHY GROWTH! Sean was with Brianna when they were coming up with Toastique’s signature gourmet toast and smoothie recipes. His primary responsibility was figuring out how to run the business. But they soon ran into a challenge that most entrepreneurs only dream of. Toastique started growing “way quicker than we thought,” as Sean says. When they were starting the business, they had a five-year expansion plan. They estimated that they would have two to three restaurants in that span. But consumers wanted more of Toastique. Three and a half years since it started, the brand that’s redefining brunch is poised to have around 15 brunch franchises up and running by 2022. For Sean, that customer validation was the sign to leave his career in project management and come on board full-time. At Toastique, he handles all operations of the brand’s expansion, leaving Brianna and Kyle Izett, CFO & Director of Construction, to step back and handle the big picture. EXCITED ABOUT THE EXPANSION Sean is delighted about taking Toastique to different states and partnering with new Franchise Owners as they build a new brunch culture centered around healthy and yummy toasts and cold-pressed juices. He is in charge of helping the managers create efficient systems to handle their day-to-day operations. He trains the Franchise Owners on how to create and manage timesheets, people management, training videos, manuals, and everything else they would need to successfully run the brunch franchise. Sean’s responsibility is to create a handbook that the Franchise Owners would need to manage on their own. The key is not to micromanage but to empower them with what Brianna, Sean, Kyle, and the team have learned from other locations. When a new Toastique opens, Sean will be there for the first week or so to guide them. After that, they will have weekly and monthly calls to ensure that everything is going smoothly. Toastique’s objective, in Sean’s words, is that “we want all out Franchise Owners to be confident from day one and we want to set them up for success.” No matter what challenge comes their way, the managers should be able to handle that. “I want them to feel on the first day that they’ve been doing this for years.” BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS Aside from assisting with routine operations, a key area for Sean is helping Franchise Owners find local vendors and build mutually beneficial long-term relationships with them. Sean knows the value of those connections. Brianna has excellent relations with vendors, which has been crucial for the continued operations of the brand even in challenging times. “If we run out of bread, they would hop in a van and send it to us,” Sean notes. That’s exactly the kind of relationship that he and the rest of Toastique’s support team want every Franchise Owner to have. “In the end, it’s all about the people you can count on and the people who can count on you.” It’s not just professional relationships that Sean has been keenly building. He recently got engaged to his girlfriend of six years. The Executive Team member at Toastique certainly has a lot to look forward to in both his personal and professional life! WORK WITH SEAN AS A FRANCHISE OWNER! You too can benefit from Sean’s expertise and guidance, just as other Franchise Owners are doing now. If you’ve ever wanted to be in the restaurant industry, this is the time to open a brunch franchise. With Toastique, you’ll be joining a brand that’s carved a unique space with healthy and delicious toasts and cold-pressed juices. The brand also has a lean business model and several revenue streams that can withstand the challenges that restaurant owners usually have to face. With increasing consumer awareness about the need for healthy and wholesome food, the future is bright for those entrepreneurs who will partner with Toastique. Click here to start a successful entrepreneurial journey and reframe your future.
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