Teriyaki-inspired Denver-based restaurant is 'coming soon' to Springfield's north end

Natalie Morris
·2 min read

The madness is spreading to Springfield – TERIYAKI MADNESS, that is.

The Denver-based, national chain has announced it will open its first site in downstate Illinois on the city’s north end. The fast-casual, Asian brand is on track to open in early 2024 at 2321 N. Dirksen Parkway, next to the new CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL.

The chain – known for its Seattle-inspired teriyaki – has more than doubled its footprint since 2019.

“I strongly believe this company has a really high potential and I know that it will surpass all of its expectations,” franchisee Mukesh Amin said in a company press release. “I just wanted to contribute to that goal in some way.”

Teriyaki Madness
Teriyaki Madness

Amin has signed a three-unit deal for the Springfield market, according to the press release. The North Dirksen Parkway address, however, is the only location that has been identified.

Teriyaki Madness offers made-to-order dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Customers can build their own Asian bowls by choosing from a menu of rice, noodles, vegetables, and proteins that range from salmon, chicken or steak teriyaki to spicy tofu to yakisoba style – a classic Japanese-style, noodle stir fry.

The appetizer lineup features chicken pot stickers, eggrolls, crab rangoon, and edamame.

Teriyaki Madness was founded in Seattle in 2003. Michael Heith – who helped build MAUI WOWI HAWAIIAN SMOOTHIE & COFFEE and DOC POPCORN – was brought on to help build the brand when there were only seven locations. Heith – now Teriyaki Madness’s chief executive officer – acquired the company in 2016.

There are 130 Teriyaki Madness locations throughout North America.

Natalie Morris
Natalie Morris

Teriyaki Madness touts five Illinois locations currently, but the Springfield restaurant will be the brand’s first flag posted outside the Chicago metropolitan area. The company website lists the Springfield and and a sixth Chicago location as “coming soon.”

Teriyaki Madness was named the fastest-growing big restaurant chain in the nation by Restaurant Business and it came in at 277th slot of Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” company list.

The brand enters the Springfield market as Asian restaurants – especially fast-casual offerings – are on the rise.

The locally owned HIBACHI MADNESS added a second location for the fast-casual Asian brand last winter at 2811 N. Dirksen Parkway. The original location opened in 2020 at 4318 Wabash Ave. BOWL PLUS opened earlier this month at 1754 Wabash Ave. in Chatham Square. This fast-casual Asian brand focuses on Japanese-inspired fresh Ramen and rice bowls. Steve Zhao is the managing partner behind both Springfield-based businesses.

And NAMI POKE – a Hawaiian-Japanese fusion restaurant – opened at 916 South Grand Avenue West in July.

The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at (217) 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Teriyaki Madness plans to open restaurant on Springfield north end