Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Utahns know Teriyaki Grill as the fresh and fast restaurant throughout the state. But many may not know that the family-owned eatery came to fruition because of the NFL.
Mike Keim, a former professional athlete, got his start in football at BYU. After his time in Provo, he went on to play for three national teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and the San Francisco 49ers.
All his years of training and running the field taught Mike a valuable lesson in nutrition.
He says it's important to eat well, not just satisfy hunger. When the Keims wanted to eat out while living in Seattle, they would often choose teriyaki, a popular dish in the area. It was flavorful, filling, and could provide all of the nutrition they were looking for.
When it came time for Mike to hang up his cleats, he and his wife Tiffany made the decision to move back to Utah. After settling in, they realized they couldn't find a restaurant that sold the tasty teriyaki they had eaten so often in Washington.
Tiffany's business background and Mike's love for cooking came together, and Teriyaki Grill was created. Using his learned experiences in the NFL of nutrition and proper fuel, he centered the restaurant around fresh, healthy, and fast food.
28 years later, there are 10 Teriyaki Grill locations throughout the Beehive State.
Fresh, healthy, fast food
Teriyaki Grill's fare is made-to-order and features fresh meals including meat, rice, and steamed veggies. Protein options include steak, chicken, pork, salmon, shrimp and tofu. Each bowl comes with the signature teriyaki sauce with the option to make it spicier.
Additionally, their menu extends to salads, sushi rolls, and even desserts.
All meats are hand-trimmed daily, ingredients are never frozen, and meals can be fully customized, with the option to make it gluten-free.
Mike's motto is "Everyone has an inner athlete!" Whether customers play sports, work at a desk, or go to school, eating like an athlete is what Teriyaki Grill is all about.
In addition, the owners have come to recognize how important healthy meals are for families who have a lot of responsibilities within and outside the home. Parents can appreciate picking up a to-go order, or bringing in their family to the restaurant, for a health-conscious meal that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Teriyaki Grill in the community
After living in Utah for nearly three decades, the Keims understand the value and need for strong communities. The restaurant regularly supports local athletes, including making meals for high school football teams and catering for BYU and the University of Utah.
Providing growth opportunities for all employees is important to the Keims. Half of the restaurant managers and two of the franchise owners are former employees.
Tiffany is also involved in the women's business community in Utah. She has been with the Women's Leadership Institute for years and promotes an environment at Teriyaki Grill that empowers women to grow into leadership roles.
Eat fast and fresh food at Teriyaki Grill
Eating nutritious foods shouldn't be limited to long hours in the kitchen. When you need a fast meal, nutrition shouldn't be compromised.
Teriyaki Grill's fast, fresh, and healthy food is available to Utahns all over the state. Explore the menu, find a location near you, and book catering for your next event on the Teriyaki Grill website.
