Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in fresh, Japanese-inspired cuisine. Founded in 1994 in Scottsdale, Arizona, by John Young, David Young, Kerry Phelps, and Russ Schoene, the brand was created to offer a healthier alternative to traditional fast food.

The first franchise location opened in 1995, and the company remains headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The menu features a variety of rice and yakisoba bowls topped with marinated, grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and the brand's signature teriyaki sauce. Additional offerings include specialty wraps, salads, and grilled egg rolls, all prepared with high-quality ingredients at affordable prices.

Samurai Sam's differentiates itself through its commitment to health-conscious dining, proprietary teriyaki sauce, and customizable menu options, such as riceless bowls. The brand's emphasis on fresh, flavorful meals helps it stand out in the growing Asian fast-food segment.

Training

Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill, operated by Kahala Franchising, provides a structured training program that franchisees must complete prior to opening. This training ensures consistent food safety and operational standards across all locations. Below is a breakdown of the training components:

1. Food Safety Training Program: Franchisees are required to complete a food safety training program at their own expense. The franchisor accepts either locally mandated county or state programs or nationally recognized alternatives. Proof of certification must be submitted before attending the franchisor’s training.
2. Franchisor’s Training Program: After submitting the food safety certification, franchisees must attend and complete the official training provided by Samurai Sam’s. This program covers the operational, managerial, and branding standards required to run the business.
3. Ongoing Standards Compliance: Franchisees are expected to adhere to operational standards as detailed in the Confidential Manual, which may evolve over time. Continuous compliance ensures that franchisees remain aligned with brand expectations and best practices.

Territory Protection

Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While each franchisee is granted a specific location from which to operate, the franchisor does not guarantee territorial rights that prevent other franchisees or company-owned locations from opening nearby.

This means that franchisees could potentially face competition from other Samurai Sam’s locations. The franchise agreement does not provide a designated geographic area in which the franchisee has exclusive rights to develop or operate.