Franchise Updates
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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HEALTHY RESTAURANT FRANCHISE FOUNDER RECEIVES TOP INDUSTRY HONORS
It’s not just customers who have fallen in love with the healthy restaurant franchise that Brianna Keefe, the Founder of Toastique started. Industry insiders are also now celebrating the whiz kid who has redefined brunch and reimagined a classic breakfast side dish as an exciting and nutritious main course. Two renowned franchise industry publications, Franchise Dictionary Magazine, and 1851 Franchise, recently honored Brianna for her innovative and healthy fast-casual concept and the ever-growing popularity of Toastique. This is another feather in the cap for the Founder, who has become one of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs in the fast-casual restaurant sector. Each October, Franchise Dictionary Magazine releases its ‘Women of Wonder’ issue celebrating prominent women in franchising who are making an impact. The list honors female entrepreneurs whose work is both unique and impactful. This year, the magazine chose Brianna as someone who is making her mark in the industry. As one of 1851 Franchise’s ‘Young Ones to Watch,’ Brianna is also one of the industry superstars under the age of 40. The entrepreneur who has won the hearts of both customers and Franchise Owners is now being recognized by the industry for what she has already achieved and what she is planning to do. PURSUING HER PASSION Some people get into the restaurant industry by accident after trying out other careers. But for Brianna, hospitality was her calling. Her first job was in a restaurant and it was love at first sight. But she knew that she required professional training and in-depth knowledge of how to run a business. So she majored in hospitality management with a minor in business.“I always found myself in the hospitality sector,” as Brianna says. The primary reason for that is that she was always a people-oriented person, as anyone who has ever worked with her would know. “Interacting with people all day is what I love,” she says with a smile. But she didn’t want to start just another quick-service restaurant, the kind that has flooded the market and buried Americans under unhealthy choices. She wanted to combine two of her passions– food and health– and create something unique, healthy, and suited to the demands of health-conscious consumers with active lifestyles. The result was Toastique. REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN CLASSIC The brand elevates toast, a classic but often bland side dish, into a health-focused power meal. Toastique has elegantly reinterpreted traditional toast as a perfect on-the-go fuel-up that is pleasing to the taste buds as well as the eye. Toasts have never looked this sumptuous, creative, or healthy. It’s not just through gourmet toasts that Toastique has differentiated itself. There are also açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, and all-natural smoothies. It’s this combination, that too in a comfortable grab-and-go format, that has worked wonders for the brand. For Brianna, however, the initial store was her passion project. She never considered that one day the brand would be highly sought-after by similarly passionate franchise investors. It was the “positively overwhelming feedback” from customers that encouraged her to think about franchising in the first place. Plus, she always knew that the product was only part of the magic of Toastique. It was the experience that she was obsessed with. Everything from the presentation of the food to the interior decor to the demeanor of the staff was crucial to delivering customer delight. She constantly reminds the team that “the environment and atmosphere should be unlike any other quick-service restaurant.” To recreate that, she knew she couldn’t be in 50 or 100 locations at once. That’s when she actively considered the franchising route. She knew that she needed to find the right individuals with the right purpose and spirit. But she wasn’t in a hurry to expand and profit. She didn’t want to grow fast or recklessly because that would have diluted the Toastique brand experience. THE FUTURE OF FAST-CASUAL DINING So, what kind of Franchise Owner does Brianna want to partner with? According to her, Toastique has always “looked for people with the same passion, people who’re gonna take care of the brand” as much as she does. She loves meeting other entrepreneurs with similar passions. Helping them realize their potential is her greatest reward. “We’ll help you with the resources, the recipes, and everything you need,” Brianna assures would-be Franchise Owners who also want to make a difference in the restaurant sector with a healthy fast-casual brand. What’s validating for Toastique as a brand is that Franchise Owners want to open more. That proves that the lean business model with an endearing customer experience has worked across markets. It’s that uniqueness that has helped Toastique successfully weather the pandemic. As people got more health-conscious, they wanted to avoid traditional junk food and opt for wholesome food choices. Plus, the fact that the brand has several delivery formats, including, dine-in and takeout, helped it grow when the entire industry faced one of its darkest periods. What also helped is the diverse revenue model of Toastique. Franchise Owners can also offer catering to increase their cash flow. BRIANNA’S ADVICE TO FRANCHISE OWNERS So, what does the industry superstar have to say to entrepreneurs looking for franchising opportunities? “Choose your partner wisely,” Brianna is quick to reply. She warns entrepreneurs against partnering with brands that promise a lot in the short run. This, as Brianna says, is a long-term business. What you need is a partner who will share the opportunities, challenges, and best practices they would have learned along the way. That will help you make the best of available resources and avoid the mistakes others would have made. But more importantly, potential Franchise Owners should choose a partner who’ll be interested and invested in their success. They should enable entrepreneurs to succeed and grow by unlocking their potential and providing all necessary support. “You’re signing up for a 30-year relationship,” Brianna reminds entrepreneurs. “Your passion and values should align. So, partner with those who care.” If you want to join this successful group of entrepreneurs who are discovering the potential of a healthy restaurant franchise through Toastique, this is your opportunity. Click here to learn how Brianna and her team can help you succeed as a Franchise Owner and live a life of freedom from the 9-to-5.
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GRAND OPENING! HEALTHY RESTAURANT FRANCHISE OPENS NEW LOCATION
What was special about September 25, 2021? That’s the day Toastique opened its fourth Washington D.C. location, in the DuPont Circle neighborhood! That’s right, our nation’s capital city now has four outlets of the healthy restaurant franchise that’s redefining brunch. The newest location is at 1899 N St NW and has already started getting rave reviews The DuPont Circle location joins other D.C.-area Toastique locations in the Wharf, Old Town Alexandria, and Navy Yard neighborhoods, as well as a new location in Stone Harbor, NJ, which opened this past summer. In addition to the Toastique cafés already in operation, quite a few more are scheduled to open their doors in 2022, in markets such as Las Vegas, Denver, Austin, and Orlando! TRIUMPH AMID A CHALLENGING YEAR There are several reasons why this news is special. To begin with, the restaurant industry has been through one of its most challenging periods over the past year and a half. Unfortunately, many established names have had to suspend their operations or shut down permanently. Customers have been naturally worried about eating out and spending time in crowded places. Those restaurants that couldn’t accommodate these health concerns were in trouble as the uncertainty over social distancing refused to go away. In such difficult circumstances, where it’s exceedingly difficult for restaurants to stay open, here’s a brand that’s opening outlets regularly! How is Toastique doing it? Because this isn’t just another restaurant. This isn’t another brunch place. This is a healthy restaurant franchise that’s markedly different from the way others serve brunch. This isn’t fast food that compromises a family’s health. This is healthy fast-casual food suited for health-conscious customers who are growing in numbers every day. TAKING TOAST TO NEW HEIGHTS The second reason for the brand’s phenomenal growth is that what you find at Toastique is something you won’t find anywhere else. Our Founder, Brianna Keefe, didn’t want to roll out fast food that customers were already familiar with. She took a classic staple of every American household, good old toast, and reimagined it. Toastique has elevated toast from the sidelines and recreated it as a healthy power meal. The gourmet toasts at this healthy restaurant franchise deliver a convenient and wholesome meal that no other fast-casual restaurant has been able to deliver. But it’s not just gourmet toast that the brand is known for. Our loyal customers love our açaí bowls and cold-pressed juices, and we’ve just rolled out a new espresso bar menu in select locations (more on that in a minute!) Toastique is designed for those customers who have active and healthy lifestyles. These are individuals who know that traditional fast-food restaurants are about speed and not health. While this group was growing even before the pandemic, the past 18 months or so have added more people to this consumer group. NOT JUST TOAST- A WORK OF ART! Another reason why Toastique has grown so remarkably well is that it combines health with artistry. As our customers have found out, everything from the food presentation to interior decor has been designed for an elevated customer experience. In other words, Toastique is highly Instagrammable! How do we know that? Well, without the services of any advertising or digital marketing agency the brand has been consistently growing and engaging with our audiences on Instagram.In a world where everyone’s after social media influencers, it’s Toastique’s customers who have been sharing the gourmet toasts and cold-pressed juices on social media. In that sense, our customers are our influencers. CONVENIENCE AND SCALABILITY Toastique’s delivery model is also exceptionally customer-friendly. People can dine in, take their gourmet toasts, bowls, and juices with them, or get them delivered. This flexibility was extremely convenient for customers during the pandemic. The brand also has a lean business model with several revenue streams. The objective is to enable a Franchise Owner to get started without incurring unnecessary expenses. The Toastique executive team will share all the best practices on how to structure the outlet to create the right ambiance without losing the unique brand identity. The multiple revenue streams ensure that Franchise Owners aren’t tied to any one source. Other than dine-in, grab-and-go, and delivery, Toastique also offers catering opportunities. This makes this healthy restaurant franchise concept highly scalable in a neighborhood. PERSONALIZED FRANCHISE SUPPORT Finally, Brianna and the leadership team are always there to help Franchise Owners every step of the way. All Franchise Owners are given adequate training on not just the product but also on hiring and training their staff. The corporate team also ensures that Franchise Owners can find stable vendors to depend upon for quality locally grown ingredients. This support has been highly helpful for the brand’s Franchise Owners, especially in the initial months. That’s why the brand’s Franchise Owners want to open more outlets, which is a stellar endorsement for Brianna and the team. With several new Owners slated to open multiple locations in their communities in 2022, the Toastique footprint is quickly growing across the U.S.! One of the most special features about the new DuPont Circle location is that this is the first Toastique to feature an espresso bar. If it continues to perform as well as it has so far, the espresso bar may become a regular part of the Toastique menu in all locations. Our Franchise Owners love being on the ground floor of a new healthy restaurant franchise and working alongside the Toastique Executive Team to help build our brand by testing out new ideas and products. Contributing opinions and suggestions for new products is just another way that our Owners are helping to shape the Toastique healthy restaurant franchise experience! A HEALTHY RESTAURANT FRANCHISE FOR THE FUTURE So, how has the new location in the DuPont Circle neighborhood performed so far? Glad you asked! After just two weeks of operation, the latest Toastique outlet had sold 886 toasts, 595 smoothies, 394 açaí bowls, 595 juices, and 429 espresso drinks. The newest kid on the block has already made a mark! What makes it special is that this tremendous response was achieved with hardly any marketing help. Our existing customers did the job for us! Toastique healthy food franchise fans who already love our other Washington, D.C. locations were excited to turn out and visit our newest café, telling their friends, colleagues, and family members in the process! If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start something in the fast-casual restaurant sector, this is your time to break the mold and open a healthy food franchise like Toastique. Customers are craving healthy options and Toastique fills the largely unmet need for nutritious food on the go. Our business model has been designed to get Franchise Owners to be stable and profitable as early as possible and to keep them that way no matter what curveballs get thrown their way. Our success during the COVID-19 shutdowns is a testament to how easy-to-pivot our franchise model is, and how simple it is for Franchise Owners to operate with limited staff. Click here to start your successful journey with the healthy restaurant franchise that’s winning the hearts of customers and Franchise Owners.
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COURTNEY HOY BRINGS HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISE TO THE JERSEY SHORE!
Here we grow again! We’re thrilled to announce that our healthy food franchise is heading to the Garden State for the first time, thanks to our new Franchise Owner, Courtney Hoy! Courtney’s Stone Harbor, New Jersey location is slated to open in Spring 2021, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome a whole new legion of devoted Toastique fans! As the sister of our CFO and Director of Construction, Kyle Izett, Courtney has gotten to see the development of the Toastique healthy food franchise from the very beginning, and watched our concept go from a single location in 2018 to multiple successful Washington, D.C.-area stores and nationwide Toastique franchise opportunities just two short years later! She says she’s inspired by “just seeing Kyle and (Toastique Founder) Brianna (Keefe) and their passion and their success and seeing how successful they have been.” Since the early days of Toastique’s foundation as a healthy food franchise, Courtney has seen its potential and had her sights set on owning a location of her own. She says, “I’ve been talking to (Brianna and Kyle), saying it would be a great model and would eventually want to be part of it.” This past summer, all the pieces fell into place when Courtney, Kyle, and Brianna were at the famed Jersey Shore and happened upon a storefront that appeared to be just the right location for a Toastique healthy food franchise. “It just kind of worked out,” Courtney recalls. “We found the spot and were like, ‘This needs to be a Toastique!’ It was so perfect that I found this wonderful location in a wonderful area- I was like, maybe it’s time for me to pull the plug and do this!” As plans for her new Toastique location began to materialize, Courtney began the process of transitioning from her previous 20-year career at YMCA to her new role of Toastique Franchise Owner. Since entrepreneurship runs in her family, owning a successful business is something that she’s seen in action her whole life. “My dad owns his own business so having a family business is something I’m familiar with,” she explains, adding, that seeing Kyle and Brianna find monumental success as business owners and Franchisors has inspired her as well. However, perhaps the biggest motivation for Courtney to own her own Toastique healthy food franchise came from the promise of freedom and schedule flexibility that will allow her to spend more quality time with her one-year-old boy. “I’m a new mom, and I love the idea of being able to set my own schedule,” she says. “I know it’s going to be the best thing I ever did!” As someone who has devoted her career to helping people attain their physical fitness goals, Courtney is happy to be in a new role that promotes wellness through healthy eating. “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 shares. “Owning a Toastique is a great opportunity to do this another way.” Courtney is certain that people in the Stone Harbor area are going to get very excited about the grand opening of her Toastique, especially now that we’re all paying a little more attention to what we put into our bodies. She says, “I have friends in D.C. who are die-hard Toastique fans- they’re like, ‘THIS IS AMAZING!’ Seeing people be excited about the brand is what has drawn me to it.” The nutritional benefits of eating at a healthy food franchise like Toastique are currently on-trend as more and more people place value on preserving their personal wellness. it wasn’t the only factor in Courtney’s decision to invest in a franchise of her own- more important to her, she says, is the delicious taste of the gourmet toasts, smoothies, açaí bowls, and cold-pressed juices on our menu. “Using mostly organic products, fresh fruits and vegetables, cold-pressed juice- just the freshness of the ingredients is what’s going to set Toastique apart from the other smoothie and juice places,” she predicts. Additionally, being the only national franchise that specializes in gourmet toast creations is something that Courtney feels definitely sets Toastique apart from other healthy food franchise opportunities out there, and feels that their secret weapon is “definitely adding in the toast so it’s a little more well rounded. You can get a full meal!” Being able to offer more than the standard juice and smoothie options that our competitors have on the menu, she says, helps make Toastique into more of a meal destination than franchises that mainly cater to the post-workout crowd. “It’s just that elevation, taking healthy foods and making it something special, that makes Toastique stand out,” she says. As Courtney continues to stay on track for her April 2021 grand opening, she feels overwhelmingly positive about her chances for profitability, especially as the light at the end of the COVID tunnel begins to shine brighter. However, she says, the demand for grab-and-go healthy food options like those Toastique has to offer is something that doesn’t look likely to go away anytime soon. Though she plans to open with a main focus on takeout and delivery, Courtney sees amazing potential for her Jersey Shore Toastique location no matter what is going on in the world and has already seen some encouraging evidence to support this. “When we were walking through the property in September, there was still a pretty large number of people that were still out and about on the shore,” she recalls. “Masks aren’t going anywhere soon, but people are going to be out, wanting healthy, grab-and-go food where they can run in and out real quick.” We’re thrilled to welcome Courtney as a pioneering Franchise Owner, and can’t wait to have her with us as we continue to grow our healthy food franchise brand across the United States! Isn’t it time you found a career that can help you bring health, wellness, and delicious food to your community? Toastique is now awarding franchises in select U.S. cities, and we are looking for passionate, health-focused individuals to join our franchise family. Visit our all-new franchise website to learn more.
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THESE HEALTHCARE WORKERS ARE BRINGING OUR HEALTHY FOOD FRANCHISE TO BAKERSFIELD, CA!
Get ready, Bakersfield, California! One of the nation’s fastest-growing healthy cafe franchises is soon coming to town! Our newest Franchise Owners, Roger and Tammie Miller, a couple devoted to healthcare, are getting ready to introduce our healthy brunch offerings, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and more to their community later this year. Our new Franchise Owners are also the ideal Toastique customers. They believe in active, healthy lifestyles. There’s never a dull moment in the Miller household. “There’s always something happening around here,” according to Tammie. She enjoys projects around the house while the family loves hiking, camping, working out, and spending time with their friends. PRIORITIZING HEALTH The Millers have been Bakersfield residents for all their lives and know the region inside out. Like their parents, Tammie and Roger’s two daughters Kylee and Tevynn are excited about Toastique because it fits in well with the family’s priorities. Tammie has worked in the preoperative care unit of a famous hospital in the region for over two decades. As for Roger, well, it’s been about healthcare, management, and mostly, perseverance. While working as a bartender when he was in school, Roger ended up with four – yes, four – degrees. He got an AA in Sociology, BA in Public Administration, BS in Nursing, and a Master’s in Healthcare Management. Starting in emergency services and moving onto management, he is currently Clinical Director of Acute Care Services at a local Level II trauma center. “WE FELT A CONNECTION” From their professional and personal experiences, the Millers know the importance of eating healthy food. While they are fully aware of the need to follow a healthy diet, they also know that it’s not that easy. They realize that poor eating decisions are mostly based on convenience. After a long day at work, it’s difficult for most families to go to the grocery store, pick up healthy ingredients, and come home and cook. “These are struggles we face and we know we are not alone,” Tammie says. When they first saw Toastique, they knew that it was different. “It is hard to explain but we felt a connection,” Roger adds. His reasons are not difficult to understand. To begin with, Toastique serves healthy food. But the Millers were also in awe of the brand’s aesthetics. “EVERYTHING IS SO BEAUTIFUL” The Millers had done their research on franchising opportunities and weren’t impressed with what they had seen. “Many franchises we looked at seemed cheap and most likely are cheap,” Roger sums up. But this time around, things were different. “Toastique screams quality in everything it does,” he adds. Toastique’s emphasis on healthy living and creating food made with whole, healthy ingredients convinced Roger and Tammie that they were making the right decision. “Everything about it is so beautiful, from the logo to the decor and most importantly, the food. You just know people are going to love it,” the new Franchise Owner says confidently. The couple got to try our wide range of healthy, yummy menu offerings during their Approval Day at Toastique headquarters in Washington, D.C. Things couldn’t have gone better. Roger and Tammie loved what they had. “The food and juices are as good as they look. They are wonderful!” Tammie says. THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO INVEST IN Roger and Tammie know that the product is only part of the puzzle. When it’s a substantial sum of money, the Millers know that the individuals they are investing in should also be credible, transparent, and inspiring. And in Toastique Founder Brianna Keefe and COO Kyle Izett, along with the rest of the Executive Team, that’s precisely what they found. Tammie found Kyle and Brianna to be very personable. A hallmark of every successful entrepreneur is the belief they have in their product.“The pride they have for Toastique exudes from them,” Tammie says about the founding duo. As for Roger, the former bartender who went on to get four degrees can spot determination when he sees it. “Kyle and Brianna are driven to succeed and I liked that,” he says. The new Franchise Owners also appreciate how the Toastique support team has been there to explain everything about the brand, product, and operations. Roger understands that they’re still early in the process of rolling out the new location but he deeply appreciates how Brianna, Kyle, and company are ready to answer their queries. “Their availability thus far has been great,” he says. ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS THE WAY Roger and Tammie are confident that Toastique will succeed. It has the right ingredients, from the product to the people behind it. But what will truly make it happen for the Millers is the hard work they’re willing to put in. Being great believers in entrepreneurship, Roger and Tammie are delighted that now they have a chance to work for themselves. “The only way to true success in our country is through working for yourself. I want that and I want to teach my girls that,” Roger says. For now, Roger and Tammie can’t wait to introduce Toastique to Bakersfield and see their customers’ reactions. “We’re waiting to see our community embrace it,” adds Tammie. Click here if you too want to join Roger and Tammie and start your entrepreneurial journey with the nation’s hottest new healthy café franchise.
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