Franchise Interviews 4.0

Totally Nuts Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise Interview with Totally Nuts
This podcast, we are scheduled to meet with the franchise opportunity offered by Totally Nutz. Matt Barker and his wife, Yvette, were once successful marketing executives who grew tired of the rat race and began searching for their next big venture. Their moment of inspiration struck when they remembered the countless conferences they attended, where thousands of people circulated with various handouts.
Under the brand name Barker's Olde Fashioned Almonds, Matt and Yvette started roasting Cinnamon Glazed Almonds in 1990, selling their product at various fairs and festivals. As they received feedback from customers over the years, expressing their enjoyment of the product but also a desire for more variety, Matt and Yvette began experimenting with different flavors and varieties. In 1992, they rebranded as Totally Nutz and launched their franchise opportunity in May 2014.

Topper's Pizza Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise interview with Topper's Pizza
Today, we have the pleasure of meeting Derek Henze from Topper's Pizza. Marty McDermott, the President of Franchise Interviews, met Derek a few years back at a Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization Conference. Derek is a franchise owner with Topper's Pizza in the Minneapolis, MN market. Before entering the franchise business, Derek served in the US Army for eight years, specializing in Field Artillery and Army Paralegal work. He completed a tour in Iraq from 2003-2004. Derek holds a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Wisconsin.
During his college years, Derek worked full-time for Topper's Pizza corporate office, located in Whitewater, WI, serving as their national marketing coordinator. He is also involved in the International Franchise Association's VetFran program. Derek's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his involvement with several non-profit businesses he started while in college. He was also the founding president of the UW-Whitewater's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization chapter, which has received numerous awards and recognition. To learn more about Topper's Pizza and Derek, click the play button below to listen to the show.

Toast Cafe Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise podcast with Toast Cafe
Over the years, Franchise Interviews has had conversations with some of the most prominent figures in the franchising industry, as well as some innovative new concepts. One common thread among many of these interviews is the presence of a compelling narrative. Toast Café exemplifies this trend. While working as actors and musicians in New York City, Robert and his friend Brian Burchill developed a tradition of preparing home-cooked omelets from scratch for their friends.
Their passion for freshly made food and the comfort of home served as the inspiration behind Toast Café (Toast), which they launched in 2005 as a gourmet, high-quality breakfast concept. Word quickly spread about their delicious breakfasts and inviting atmosphere. The business expanded to three locations, attracting both new and loyal customers with dishes like their made-from-scratch portabella mushroom benedict and avocado omelets. In response to growing demand from its dedicated customer base, Toast transitioned into a franchise in 2013.
 

The Tilted Kilt Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise interview with The Tilted Kilt
Today's broadcast kicks off with our feature on NY's WVOX radio station. Marty McDermott, President of Franchise Interviews, delves into the world of franchising and reflects on the remarkable guests he's had the privilege to interview over the past 8 years. One of his personal highlights is discussing the hit TV show, Undercover Boss, which has featured several guests from Franchise Interviews. For those unfamiliar, Undercover Boss typically features a CEO or President who goes incognito to work among their franchisees.
In the second segment, we sit down with Ron Lynch, President of the Tilted Kilt and a former participant on Undercover Boss. Ron shares insights into his experience on the show and sheds light on the franchise opportunity at The Tilted Kilt. This Scottish and English themed sports pub offers a menu of traditional American fare, accompanied by LED flat screen televisions and friendly servers, creating an inviting and lively atmosphere reminiscent of a classic American sports bar. Click the play button below to tune in to this captivating show.

The Melting Pot Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise podcast with The Melting Pot
We have a meeting scheduled with Bob Johnston, the CEO of The Melting Pot. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has been offering a distinctive fondue dining experience for over 45 years. As the leading fondue restaurant franchise, it boasts 94 restaurants across 31 U.S. states and Canada. Renowned for its range of fondue cooking styles and unique dishes, The Melting Pot's menu includes cheese fondues, salads, a selection of fine wines and spirits, and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue enthusiasts can become members of Melting Pot’s Club Fondue to enjoy exclusive promotions, special events, and early holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot is affiliated with Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
Every Business Has A Story
Bob will discuss how The Melting Pot, America’s favorite fondue concept, leads the way in the experimental dining industry with new innovations, as it prepares for nationwide expansion into new markets. CEO isn’t Johnston’s first position within the company – he started as a dishwasher in high school when his two older brothers opened a location.

The Casual Pint Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise Interview with The Casual PintWe are scheduled to meet with The Casual Pint, one of the rapidly expanding franchises in the craft beer sector. Originating in Tennessee, The Casual Pint began franchising its unique coffee shop-style beer market in January 2014. What's particularly exciting about this industry is its growth and the changing demographics of its consumers. Notably, there is a rising number of women enjoying craft beer. The story of The Casual Pint traces back to Jon Robinette in 1976. Our meeting will be with Nathan Robinette, the CEO of The Casual Pint.
 

Teriyaki Madness Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise Interview with Teriyaki Madness
Did you know that the Asian dining segment generates over $18 billion annually, according to a 2011 study by reports research firm Technomic? Additionally, The NPD Group found that 23% of consumers are attracted to Asian-flavored foods. Today, Franchise Interviews is speaking with Rod Arreola, the President and co-founder of Teriyaki Madness, a franchise offering healthy, made-to-order teriyaki dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Teriyaki Madness aims to provide a quick and affordable dining experience in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, offering an alternative to traditional fast food. Their menu includes Asian-inspired dishes like chicken teriyaki and spicy chicken, served with house-made sauces and a special blend of spices. 

Tapster's Roman Maliszewski on Franchise Interviews

Franchise interview with TapsterHave you ever thought about opening a bar? We have an exciting show for you. We’re speaking with Roman Maliszewski, the founder of Tapster, a revolutionary self-serve taproom concept. Their tasting room franchise opportunity significantly reduces the overhead and challenges typical of a traditional bar, offering entrepreneurs a proven blueprint and continuous support to deliver an authentic Tapster experience.
Roman’s journey goes beyond just opening a bar. From a Princeton graduate to an advertising executive, a world traveler, and now a BEERpreneur, his unique path and industry expertise have positioned Tapster at the forefront of a self-serve transformation in the bar industry!
Here’s why Roman & Tapster are making headlines:
From Vendor to Visionary: Roman transitioned from the tech side (Pour My Beer) to establish Tapster.
Self-Serve Revolution: Tapster takes advantage of staffing shortages and the consumer's desire for unique experiences.
Future of Bars: Roman anticipates an increase in craft cocktails on draft and a focus on sustainability.
Sustainability & Innovation: Tapster emphasizes eco-friendly practices and continually seeks new ways to enhance the customer experience.
 

Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Man n Cheez Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise podcast with Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Man n Cheez!
You might find yourself craving a bite after hearing about this. Our next guest is Lorraine Platman, the Founder and Head Chef of Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Cheez! Established in 2010 and expanding through franchising since 2013, this Detroit-based restaurant chain specializes in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Their menu includes a variety of soups, salads, sandwich wraps, grilled cheese, and over a dozen types of macaroni and cheese, both meat-topped and vegetarian, all prepared fresh to order.
 

Sushi Sake Meets with Franchise Interviews

Franchise interview with Sushi Sake
We have a meeting scheduled with Angel Aguayo, the Director of Operations at Sushi Sake, a Miami-based neighborhood sushi bar with 14 units that is now expanding through franchising. With two signed franchise agreements in Florida, the founders, Angel Aguayo and James Aguayo, are ready to introduce their fusion-inspired creation to a national audience.
Established in 2009, the Aguayo brothers entered the $12.8 billion sushi restaurant market, aiming to break away from the traditional dining experience. Having grown up in restaurants and frequenting Benihana, Angel noticed a lack of innovation in the industry and sought to introduce fusion cuisine to the market.