When Michele Wardius was searching for a fitness franchise to complement her healthy lifestyle, she stumbled upon Toastique — a fast-growing gourmet toast and juice café brand that perfectly blended her love of wellness, flavor and community. Two years later, Toastique in Chatham has become a go-to destination for busy professionals, families and health-conscious residents who want food that is both nourishing and convenient.
“I’ve always believed in living a healthy lifestyle — my daughters both played Division I tennis, and we were constantly on the go,” she says. “When I discovered Toastique, it just fit our lives perfectly. It’s about fueling people with food that’s good for them, without ever sacrificing taste.”
Healthy Food for Busy Lives
At the Chatham café, the franchise promise of healthy food for your busy life is front and center in menu items like avocado toast topped with vibrant garnishes, cold-pressed juices packed with nutrients, or wellness shots designed to give an instant boost.
“Consumers will only buy it once if it doesn’t taste good,” Michele emphasizes. “That’s why taste and quality matter so much to us. We don’t add sugar to anything — the sweetness comes naturally from fresh fruit. We even make our own granola bars in-house with honey and dark chocolate, and we offer gluten-free and nut-free options to make sure everyone feels welcome.”
Customer convenience is key. Guests can order ahead on Toastique’s app, or through delivery platforms. Catering is an important part of the Chatham business.
A Brand That Fits a Lifestyle
Michele, who runs the café with her daughter, Macey, says her path to franchising Toastique is a story of timing and vision.
“When I first discovered Toastique, the brand had only eight or ten locations. Now there are over 50, and it’s growing fast. But what drew me in was how it aligned with our family’s lifestyle. It’s not just about food — it’s about encouraging people to make healthier choices and creating a space where they want to spend time.”
The interior of Toastique Chatham reflects that vision, with a warm, modern design that feels both inviting and energizing.
Consistency Across a Growing Brand
As Toastique expands nationwide, maintaining consistency across locations has been essential. Wardius says the brand has invested in strong systems to ensure positive guest experiences.
“There’s a look in mind and a build-out phase that makes sure every Toastique has that recognizable feel,” Michele explains. “The menus are consistent, and the corporate team is supportive — they have a large employee base that really ensures brand standards are met. That gives me peace of mind as a franchise owner and lets me focus on my customers.”
Community at the Core
For Michele and her team, success is measured not only in sales, but in the relationships they build.
“We’re lucky to have such an amazing team,” she says. The feedback we hear from customers about their friendliness and care means the world.
Community engagement is also part of the Toastique DNA in Chatham. The café frequently donates catering trays and gift cards for local events and fundraisers. “A lot of our customers are deeply involved in the community, so it’s important that we support those efforts,” Wardius says.
Wardius hopes to continue building Toastique’s presence in Chatham by growing its catering business, rewarding loyal customers through its app and rewards program and deepening connections with the local community.
“At the end of the day, we want to create an experience where people feel good about what they’re eating, they feel welcomed and they leave wanting to come back,” Wardius reflects. “That’s what Toastique is all about — nourishing every moment, one bite at a time.”
Toastique.com.
It’s about fueling people with food that’s good for them, without ever sacrificing taste.
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