AZ Central: Healthy-food franchises expanding in metro Phoenix

The New Orleans-based healthy bevy franchise Smoothie King is gearing up to expand throughout the Phoenix market. Steve Shields, the company's franchise development manager told AZ Central that Smoothie King’s current development plans call for another two units this year and four more next year.

"The demographics are right for the product we have," Shields said.

New franchisee Denise Eddings said that she became interested in opening a Smoothie King after trying the product at a Houston store. She is planning on opening three locations in the Mesa and Gilbert areas over the course of the next two and a half years, including one this year.

Smoothie King's smoothies can be divided into four categories: meal replacements, high-protein alternatives, vegan and slimming down, offering healthy choices for any lifestyle and fitness goal.