Franchise Info

Franchise Information Request Only

(minimum net worth $500,000 required)

The Foundation

MOOYAH is an entire company doing the right thing for the right reason and working hard each day to lead by example one burger, one French fry and one drink at a time.

The Foundation

• You love burgers. Can't live without fries. And always need to wash both down with a milkshake.
• You own a few other restaurants. Or you own another business. Maybe you just really love MOOYAH.
• You really like people, you know the ones that will come to your restaurant—we call them Guests. You have to love them, want to get to know them and be involved with them in the community.
• You're dedicated to running the best restaurant ever—period.
• You want to grow with MOOYAH—that means opening not just one or even two restaurants.
• You have a minimum net worth of approximately $500,000 and minimum liquid cash of approximately $200,000.
• You know what you're doing or at least you're willing to learn from us.

The Building Blocks For Your Success

• Interactive Management Training
• Cutting-Edge Technology
• Competitive Initial Investment
• Proprietary Tools For Recruiting and Staffing
• Operational and Organization Systems
• Intensive Real Estate Selection
• Unmatched Guest Experience
• Relationship-Driven Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MOOYAH different?

It's simple. The people and the experience.

What is the initial investment for a MOOYAH franchise?

$334,950 to $529,700 (Includes build-out expenses and certain start-up expenses - part of this investment is the initial franchise fee, which is $30,000.)

What are the site requirements for a MOOYAH restaurant?

• 1,800-2,400 Square Feet
• Visibility and Access
• High Traffic Areas with Above Average Demographics

What is the term of the franchise agreement?

10 Years (With 2 Five-Year Options)

What is the availability for opportunities in my area?

We'll need to double-check—the word is spreading about us, so we're currently applying for registration throughout the U.S. Contact Michael (214.912-0514) for availability in your trade area.

Welcome to the world of MOOYAH, a culture at ease with itself as keepers of the great American meal: masters of the burger, owners of the French fry, crafters of the shake.

Meet The Team

Rich Hicks, Co-Founder

The Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex is no stranger to the innovative concepts of restaurant industry veteran Rich Hicks. After nearly a decade of offering great food at Tin Star, Rich is launching his newest "fast casual" franchise concept—MOOYAH—serving "Just Burgers. Just Fries. Just Better."

Rich began his career in the restaurant business at age 14 in Pennsylvania as a dishwasher and bar back, but before launching his own restaurant concepts, Rich attended Stephen F. Austin University where he made the Dean's List for seven semesters and graduated in 1992 with a degree in business management.

Following graduation, Rich became a manager with Brinker International at Romano's Macaroni Grill. Two years later he advanced to general manager, followed by a promotion to multi-area director, making him the youngest area director in the chain's history. In this position, Rich was responsible for opening new locations and eventually oversaw more than 10 restaurants.

In 1999, Rich took his invaluable experience in the restaurant industry and launched Tin Star, which was awarded Best New Restaurant by the Dallas Morning News later that same year. Today, Tin Star is located in cities across the nation and continues to keep Guests coming back with its spirited, aggressive flavor profiles and unique southwestern flare. Rich is back at it, hitting America's taste buds on a new note with MOOYAH. His simple business concept is obsessed with serving Guests the best burger and French fry—anywhere.

Rich is active in the community as he is a member of the Dallas, Plano and Frisco Chambers of Commerce, the Texas Restaurant Association, the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association and Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Rich lives in Frisco with his wife, Jennifer and three children. When he is not spending time dreaming up his next big concept, Rich enjoys spending time with his family, running, reading, water skiing, wakeboarding, bare footing, soccer, golf and anything that involves competition.

Todd Istre, Co-Founder

Next to his family, Todd has two great loves in life—healthy teeth and delicious food. Todd began achieving his first goal upon receiving his DDS from the University of Texas Dental School in 1989. And, less than five years after graduation, Todd co-founded South Texas Dental, a growing group of family dental centers dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality dentistry in a fun, friendly environment. Today, Todd still serves as the chief executive officer for the 20 plus dental centers across Texas.

Todd began feeding this second love in 1999 with the founding of Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen, the ultimate in authentic Cajun seafood. And, to increase his knowledge of business development, Todd furthered his education by attending and graduating from Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management Program.

Todd continued pursuing his passion of great tasting food with the founding of Taters Kountry Kitchen, a full service, casual dining restaurant serving old fashion, home-style cooking in Houston, Texas. On the heels of Taters Kountry's opening, Todd teamed up with Rich Hicks, a veteran in the restaurant industry, to form MOOYAH. As the Co-Founder of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, Todd brings a tremendous amount of business and restaurant experience from concept development to branding.

Todd keeps himself busy with work and brainstorming entrepreneurial opportunities, but always makes time for his family. He also enjoys snowboarding, traveling and working out.

Bill Spae, Chief Executive Officer and President

Bill Spae is a veteran retail and restaurant executive with 40 years of leadership experience. Bill has most recently been the COO/CDO of CiCi's Pizza, a chain of 500 plus all you can eat pizza buffets and has had additional responsibility for the JMC Distribution Company, a full service distributor to all CiCi's restaurants. He is also the former President/CEO of large operating companies. Bill has a proven record of accomplishment of both turnarounds as well as the leadership of large organizations.

Bill started his career in food service at Burger King Corporation but soon joined a small Texas restaurant company called TGI Fridays. He grew through the company ranks, during its rapid expansion, to become its then youngest Vice President and one of four people to take the company public.

Time spent as an executive with a division of Pepsi Cola and with Wendy's Restaurants, led to his recruitment to Hollywood Entertainment, owner of the Hollywood Video retail chain. While at Hollywood Entertainment, he collaborated with the founder to complete a secondary public offering and was instrumental in the expansion of Hollywood Video from a small west coast company to a $1 Billion plus national player.

Bill was hired away from Hollywood Entertainment by Metromedia Restaurant Group because of his expertise in restaurant turnarounds. He is credited with the turnaround of the Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse brands as well as Steak and Ale Restaurants. Bill was also President of Bennigan's Grill and Tavern restaurants before leaving to become the CEO of Palm Beach Tan. Palm Beach Tan is a local retail company honored to be one of Dallas's fastest growing small businesses in 2004. Bill was its CEO at the time as well as an investor. His experience in operations, development, marketing, and finance has enabled him to take on diverse challenges and successfully manage difficult assignments in both the retail and restaurant arenas.

Bill went on to become a franchisee of Taco Bueno with restaurants in Texas, which he eventually sold, at which time he joined CiCi's.

Bill is a graduate of Jacksonville University, a member of Texas Restaurant Association, a former board member of several non-profit and for profit organizations, a co-founder of a non- profit organization that specializes in working with high risk students-STAR. Bill also is a former Commissioner for emergency services in Navarro County, Texas, a member of the Executive Board of the Corsicana/Navarro County Chamber of Commerce, and an active participant in several other charitable groups.

Bill is married to Karen and they have two grown children and three very active grandchildren.

Michael Mabry, Director of Franchise

Michael's first venture into the restaurant industry was a catering business he developed in 1989. In 1992, he joined Brinker International as Executive Chef for Romano's Macaroni Grill. There he was instrumental in establishing systems that remain a stable foundation of the business. While at Brinker, Michael advanced to General Manager in 1995 and to Director of Franchise in 1998. He created and implemented the global franchise strategy, process, initiatives and standards for Macaroni Grill.

In March of 2003, Michael took his talent and strategic thinking to Tin Star, where he focused on growing the concept by developing true franchise partnerships. In the subsequent two years, Michael sold ten development deals totaling seventy-two restaurants.

From March 2005 to March 2007 Michael was the Franchise Development Director for Boston's The Gourmet Pizza. He was recruited for his ability to attract franchisees of a higher caliber. He attributes this to being able to 'talk restaurant' with franchisees. Because of his dedication to relationships, he was instrumental in the hiring of three field operations employees. He sat on numerous committees and boards for the brand representing both franchise and operations.

March 2007 marked Michael's day-to-day involvement with Cutchall Management Company (CMC). Once again because of his commitment to relationships, Greg Cutchall identified Michael to be the spearhead for CMC's Dallas growth strategy. Paradise Bakery and Café served as the catalyst.

In late 2009 Michael joined forces with Brinker and Tin Star Alum Rich Hicks. As Director of Franchise, Michael is responsible for MOOYAH's overall growth. He also plays a part in real estate, food & beverage, design, and operations. Michael's participation in Harvard Business Executive Education is telling of his commitment to lifelong learning and his personal philosophy that "you need to understand before you can be understood."