Franchise Deep Dive: Planet Smoothie Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: June 2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://planetsmoothiefranchise.com/ 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 100+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $190,650 - $446,500

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): Not disclosed

Planet Smoothie is one of many food service franchises under the Kahala Brands umbrella. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, the brand has focused on fresh, tasty smoothies since its inception and has seen success thanks to this model. Acquired by Kahala Brands in 2015, Planet Smoothie has continued to grow through partnership with local franchisees throughout the U.S.

How Many Planet Smoothie Locations Are There?

There are over 100 Planet Smoothie locations across the U.S. By offering an efficient way for consumers to get a smoothie catered to their needs — health conscious, delicious, protein-packed or hidden veggies — the system has built a model that attracts a diversified customer base and encourages repeat revenue. 

Noting that it’s “growing every day,” Planet Smoothie appears to be working diligently to widen its reach nationwide.

What Is the Planet Smoothie Business Model?

Planet Smoothie is a franchise that makes “the best-tasting smoothie on the planet.” With a flexible footprint, Planet Smoothie can exist in outdoor shopping centers, food courts, convenience stores and kiosks.

Because Planet Smoothie requires a relatively small footprint, reduces food waste with frozen fruit and requires minimal equipment since nothing is cooked, the franchise offers a food-service model that is much more affordable than a traditional restaurant.

How Much Can Planet Smoothie Franchise Owners Make?

Earnings for Planet Smoothie franchise owners are not publicly available, and the franchisor notes that it does not include revenue projections (Item 19) in its Franchise Disclosure Document.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Planet Smoothie?

The total initial investment required to open a Planet Smoothie franchise ranges from $190,650 to $446,500.

For a traditional build-out, these costs include:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $12,000 - $25,000
• Lease Review Fee: $0 - $2,500
• Rent, Security Deposit (3 Months): $6,000 - $20,000
• Travel and Living Expenses During Training (3 People): $3,750 - $7,500
• Real Estate: Variable
• Architectural Fees: $7,000 - $20,000
• Leasehold Improvements: $75,000 - $200,000
• Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, Small Wares, Interior Signage, Menu Panels: $53,000 - $85,000
• Exterior Signage: $7,000 - $15,000
• Computer Hardware, Software: $3,000 - $5,000
• PCI Compliance Costs: $150 - $1,300
• Opening Inventory: $5,000 - $15,000
• Business Insurance: $1,000 - $5,000
• Miscellaneous Opening Costs: $4,750 - $17,200
• Grand Opening: $10,000
• Depository Account: $3,000
• Additional Funds (3 Months): $5,000 - $15,000

For a non-traditional build-out, these costs include:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $16,000 - $20,000
• Lease Review Fee: $0 - $2,500
• Rent, Security Deposit (3 Months): $6,000 - $20,000
• Travel and Living Expenses During Training (3 People): $3,750 - $7,500
• Real Estate: Variable
• Architectural Fees: $5,000 - $15,000
• Leasehold Improvements: $5,000 - $125,000
• Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, Small Wares, Interior Signage, Menu Panels: $12,000 - $40,000
• Exterior Signage: $9,000 - $15,000
• Computer Hardware, Software: $3,000 - $5,000
• PCI Compliance Costs: $150 - $1,300
• Opening Inventory: $2,500 - $5,000
• Business Insurance: $1,000 - $5,000
• Miscellaneous Opening Costs: $4,750 - $17,200
• Grand Opening: $5,000
• Depository Account: $3,000
• Additional Funds (3 Months): $5,000 - $15,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Planet Smoothie?

The franchise fee for Planet Smoothie is $25,000.

Who Is on Planet Smoothie’s Leadership Team?

• Jeff Smit — Chief Operating Officer at Kahala Brands
• Melissa Hubbell — Vice President of Marketing at Kahala Brands
• John Wuycheck — Senior Vice President of Development at Kahala Brands
• Logan Reves — Vice President of Restaurant Operations at Kahala Brands

What Helpful Articles Can I Read To Learn More?

• Start a Planet Smoothie Franchise in 2024
• America’s 12 Best Smoothie Chains, Ranked
• Is a Planet Smoothie Franchise for You?

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