Teriyaki Madness Partners with Toast: A Recipe for Growth

On March 9, 2026, Toast Inc. (NYSE: TOST), a pioneering digital technology platform tailored for the hospitality industry, announced a significant partnership with Teriyaki Madness (TMAD), a burgeoning Seattle-style fast casual teriyaki franchise. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in both companies’ growth strategies, as TMAD aims to implement Toast’s comprehensive enterprise technology suite across its expanding network of over 200 locations nationwide.

Teriyaki Madness has made a name for itself by offering a delectable selection of cooked-to-order teriyaki bowls, emphasizing high-quality, customizable ingredients. With a menu that features premium marinated proteins, fresh vegetables, and an array of bold signature sauces—including gluten-free options—TMAD is not just about serving food; it’s about delivering an experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

As TMAD sets its sights on aggressive expansion, the franchise recognized the need for a reliable technology partner. The decision to integrate Toast’s platform and hardware, including Toast Flex and Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving service delivery across its locations.

Kelly Esten, Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise and Chief Marketing Officer at Toast, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The Teriyaki Madness team is as dedicated to growth, quality, and efficiency as we are at Toast. We’ve built our platform to handle the busiest of bowl-driven and quick-service concepts.” This alignment in values bodes well for both companies as they embark on this collaborative journey.

Erin Hicks, President of Teriyaki Madness, underscored the importance of this partnership, articulating, “To pull that off, we need a partner that can keep up with the Madness. Toast gives our franchisees the tools to run faster, smarter restaurants while we keep doing what we do best.” This partnership is not merely a vendor-client relationship; it’s seen as a foundational element for TMAD’s next growth phase.

Toast has established itself as a crucial player in the restaurant technology sector, serving hundreds of multi-unit brands. Notable clients include Caribou Coffee, Choice Hotels, and Papa Gino's & D'Angelo, highlighting the platform's versatility and effectiveness in catering to various dining concepts. The collaboration with Teriyaki Madness further solidifies Toast's reputation as a go-to partner for quick-service and fast casual restaurants.

As both companies set the stage for future growth, the partnership is expected to enhance customer experience and operational capabilities at Teriyaki Madness locations. With Toast’s technology, TMAD aims to streamline operations while maintaining its commitment to quality and service.

The collaboration represents a strategic move for both companies, positioning them to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. As TMAD continues to expand its reach across the nation, the backing of Toast's robust tech solutions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in its success narrative.

In conclusion, the announcement of this partnership is more than just a business arrangement; it is a testament to the evolving landscape of the fast casual dining sector, where technology and quality service converge to create memorable customer experiences. As both companies embark on this exciting journey, stakeholders and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds in the coming years.