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He Built a Wingstop Empire (then launched his own brand)
Matt started as a Subway employee at 13 — and by his twenties, he owned 12 locations.
From there, he expanded into Cinnabon, Dunkin’, and Wingstop, learning hard lessons about unit economics, scaling challenges, and why some brands hit ceilings while others explode.
Today, Matt is the co-founder of Agapé, a fast-casual Mediterranean concept born in Columbus that’s now franchising nationwide. We unpack how his decades as a multi-brand operator shaped his playbook, why he only wants experienced restaurant operators as franchisees, and how Agapé plans to ride the same wave CAVA created — but with stronger economics.
If you’re an operator or investor eyeing the next breakout restaurant brand, this one’s for you.
⏱️ Key Topics
🔑 Notable Quotes
“Subway taught me it’s a penny-profit business — you’ve got to scrape to make it.”
“If you can do three times your build-out cost in sales, you’re in a good spot.”
“We’re not trying to sell units. We’re trying to work with good people and build a kick-ass brand together.”
🧠 Episode Tags
Franchising, Restaurants, Small Business, Fast Casual, Wingstop, Subway, Cinnabon, Dunkin’, CAVA, Entrepreneurship, Multi-Unit Operators, Emerging Brands
View all episodes
By Patrick Buckley
5
1111 ratings
Matt started as a Subway employee at 13 — and by his twenties, he owned 12 locations.
From there, he expanded into Cinnabon, Dunkin’, and Wingstop, learning hard lessons about unit economics, scaling challenges, and why some brands hit ceilings while others explode.
Today, Matt is the co-founder of Agapé, a fast-casual Mediterranean concept born in Columbus that’s now franchising nationwide. We unpack how his decades as a multi-brand operator shaped his playbook, why he only wants experienced restaurant operators as franchisees, and how Agapé plans to ride the same wave CAVA created — but with stronger economics.
If you’re an operator or investor eyeing the next breakout restaurant brand, this one’s for you.
⏱️ Key Topics
🔑 Notable Quotes
“Subway taught me it’s a penny-profit business — you’ve got to scrape to make it.”
“If you can do three times your build-out cost in sales, you’re in a good spot.”
“We’re not trying to sell units. We’re trying to work with good people and build a kick-ass brand together.”
🧠 Episode Tags
Franchising, Restaurants, Small Business, Fast Casual, Wingstop, Subway, Cinnabon, Dunkin’, CAVA, Entrepreneurship, Multi-Unit Operators, Emerging Brands
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