A Somers couple with a background in the restaurant industry is planning to bring Asian eatery Teriyaki Madness to several locations around the state, starting this fall.
Husband and wife team Ken Schanke and Audrey Poynton, of Meraki Restaurant Group, are already franchisees for Jersey Mike’s Subs. They said they plan to open eight Teriyaki Madness eateries in Connecticut.
“We’re super excited about it coming here, and we hope everybody enjoys it,” said Poynton.
Teriyaki Madness has locations in about 34 states, with Connecticut and New Mexico sites in the works. It also has eateries in Canada and Mexico.
The chain’s menu includes Asian dishes such as crab rangoon, chicken potstickers, spicy tofu teriyaki and orange chicken.
The initial Connecticut locations are currently set for Enfield, Hamden and Avon. Leases are being pursued for eateries in Manchester and West Hartford.
Additional locations are being evaluated, though Schanke said they are very interested in Middletown.
The couple anticipates opening the Enfield and Hamden locations in late October or early November of this year. Manchester is expected to follow in the first quarter of 2024, followed by Avon and West Hartford in 2025.
According to Schanke, they evaluated demographics and communities where they have had prior success with Jersey Mike’s when choosing which locations to pursue.
As for why they are branching out with Teriyaki Madness, the pair said they enjoy the food.
“The food is good, so that’s key,” Poynton said. “That’s one thing we look for when we are looking at different brands is – do we like the food and do we like to eat it often? Also – is it a healthier concept than what’s out there in the marketplace?”
Schanke said they look for food with a “fresh and healthy” focus, and both Jersey Mike’s and Teriyaki Madness have made-to-order concepts.
The pair also looks for brands that give back to the community via fundraisers, according to Poynton.
The couple said they may branch out into western Massachusetts with Teriyaki Madness after they launch some Connecticut eateries.
Poynton also owns The Eclectic Peacock, a boutique in Enfield which sells clothes, art, jewelry and accessories.
