Growing up in a family that once owned over 100 Subway restaurants, brothers Jay and McKay Bickmore were destined for a career in food franchising. Their upbringing involved working in their father’s Subway stores — making sandwiches, managing operations, and learning the importance of consistency.
As McKay recalls, “We’d come home smelling like baked bread and mustard after long shifts. It was just part of life.” Those early experiences helped shape their strong work ethic and passion for restaurant management.
Entering a New Era with Konala
Now, the Bickmore brothers are shifting from Subway’s legacy to the future of healthy dining. Jay and McKay have partnered to open multiple Konala restaurants across Utah, beginning in the St. George area, after signing a three-unit franchise agreement with the fast-growing brand.
Their father, Jay Bickford, continues to operate around 80 Subway outlets in Utah and Idaho, keeping the family firmly rooted in the franchise industry. The brothers are Konala’s second franchisees in Utah, joining another entrepreneur who plans to open five locations in Salt Lake City.
Recently, Konala also signed a multi-unit deal in New Jersey, signaling rapid nationwide growth.
Why the Bickmores Chose Konala
For Jay and McKay, franchising runs deep. Jay, 38, already owns 15 Crumbl bakery locations across Florida, Texas, and Alabama. “We know what it takes to build enduring brands,” Jay said. “Konala has the same strong foundation and potential.”
McKay, 28, is leading the Utah venture and scouting sites for their first restaurant, expected to open next year. He envisions a mix of drive-thru and dine-in Konala outlets, offering flexibility for customers.
Discovering Konala’s Unique Concept
It was McKay who initially championed the idea of joining Konala’s franchise network. He thoroughly reviewed the franchise disclosure document, analyzed sales data, and even visited a Seattle location to observe operations firsthand.
He was impressed by the brand’s menu — featuring protein bowls and salads made with teriyaki chicken, grilled steak, ahi poke, or tofu — and its fast, efficient service model.
His decision was cemented after meeting Konala’s co-founders, Trace and Jammie Miller, who have refined a unique “kitchen-less” model. “Their technology blew me away,” McKay said. “The oven is pre-programmable, super-fast, grease-free, and incredibly easy to use. It’s one of the most innovative systems I’ve ever seen.”
Konala’s National Growth Plans
Founded in Idaho, Konala currently runs three corporate stores — in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and Spokane, Washington. The franchise program officially launched last year, with plans to open 18 new locations in 2026.
Through a partnership with Fransmart, Konala aims to reach 1,000 locations nationwide within 10 years, solidifying its place among top fast-casual healthy food brands.
According to its disclosure, the franchise investment ranges between $428,500 and $750,500, while a freestanding drive-thru model can cost between $874,000 and $1.2 million. The Post Falls outlet achieved $1.2 million in first-year gross sales, showcasing the brand’s strong performance potential.
Building a Legacy Beyond Subway and Crumbl
While Subway and Crumbl have faced recent challenges with store closures and profit drops, Jay Bickmore remains optimistic. “All brands experience ups and downs,” he said. “If you operate efficiently, they’ll reward you in the long run.”
Both brothers are focused on using their years of franchise experience to scale Konala successfully. Their goal is not only to expand the brand but also to continue their family’s multi-generational restaurant legacy built on quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
From smelling like baked bread in their childhood Subway days to managing high-tech kitchens with Konala, the Bickmore brothers’ journey showcases the evolution of American entrepreneurship. With their deep franchise roots, operational knowledge, and belief in healthy fast-casual dining, Jay and McKay are ready to take Konala’s innovative concept to new heights in Utah and beyond.
