Franchisee Voices: Eric Gibbs of Smoothie King

Eric Gibbs was born and raised in the Bossier City and Shreveport, La., areas. He went to school at Louisiana Tech where he graduated with a degree in finance. He then received his master’s from the University of Colorado, but always imagined he’d triumphantly return home to open his own business. He’d never had a taste for fast food – in fact, he wanted to open a business that could help benefit his community. So, finally, in 2013 he and his wife, Lauren, opened their very own Smoothie King back home in Bossier City. Now, at just 30-years old, he’s opening a second location in Shreveport with his father. It’s not work for Eric--every day he wakes up excited to do what he does.

1851 had a chance to speak with Eric to learn more about his background and how he learned about the brand.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I grew up in Bossier City and that’s where I opened my first Smoothie King location. I opened it a couple of years ago now, back in 2013 and I’m opening my second location in Shreveport.

I went to college at Louisiana Tech, graduated with a degree in finance and straight from there I went to grad school at the University of Colorado. From high school through college, I saw Smoothie King everywhere. I basically grew up with it and I always loved the product. I knew at a young age I wanted to do something on my own, I just had to wait for the timing to be right. In the meanwhile, I worked at the governor’s office in Baton Rouge out of graduate school, moved back home eventually for a separate job at Haliburton Energy and got into a place where I could open up my first Smoothie King.

My wife Lauren and I started the first store together. She won’t be around as much for the second location, as we have two children – a six-year old and a six-month old – with another on the way. My dad, John, and I are working on the one in Shreveport so it will be his source of income when he retires.

Why did you choose to become a franchisee with Smoothie King? How did you learn about the brand?

I knew for years that I wanted to become a franchisee, I just wanted to take the time to determine which franchise. I worked all over to save money to start my own business. I wanted to work in food but in the healthy food industry. I don’t enjoy fast food, so I was attracted to the Smoothie King brand.

Obviously, the brand dominates the smoothie market and it was just a matter of getting qualified before I could open my own store since I wanted to do this all along. The brand recognition was there, the orientation went great and we loved the team.

I wake up every day excited about what I’m doing because I get to help people and help my staff. I hire mostly young students so I can teach them about their first job.

I also knew for years that I wanted to franchise, but I wanted to see which one. I worked all over to see and save up for my own business. 

What’s next for you and your business? 

We plan to open more than just the two locations but there’s no timeframe at the moment.