Teriyaki Madness names Michael Haith CEO

Teriyaki Madness has named Michael Haith chief executive, the company said last week.

Haith succeeds co-founder Rod Arreola, who will stay on to oversee development of the 15-unit Denver-based fast-casual Asian concept.

Haith most recently served as an adviser to Teriyaki Madness’ executive team through his Franchise Sherpas, an investor and consultant in the brand for the past several years.

Haith was instrumental in building the Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends coffee and smoothie concept and Doc Popcorn, the Boulder, Colo.-based kettle-cooked popcorn concept sold in July to Dippin Dots Franchising LLC of Paducah, Ky. Franchise Sherpas was a partner in the popcorn concept.

“As our growth accelerates, it is very important that we continue to develop the big picture and [that] Teriyaki Madness does not 'lose its way,'” said Arreola in a statement. “In working with Michael for a few years now, I have no doubts that he will make a great CEO of Teriyaki Madness.”
 
Haith will oversee the strategic management of the organization and develop systems and processes for franchising, the company said.

“With its commitment to quality ingredients, amazing food made fresh to order and tremendous unit economics, ‘T-Mad’ is simply in the right place at the right time, with the right products and the right business model,” Haith said.

Teriyaki Madness, founded in 2003 in Las Vegas, has locations in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Nevada and Texas.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless