Smoothie King Races Ahead with National Expansion, Targets Orlando for 25 New Locations
Smoothie King has already garnered huge success in 2015, posting a 8.7 percent comp sales increase earlier this year, and continues to use this momentum to develop new locations across state lines. Residents of the “Theme Park Capital of the World” are invited to join in, as the brand looks to open 25 new locations in Orlando on its journey to signing 105 new franchise deals by year’s end. The Orlando market is already home to some exceptional Smoothie King franchisees spreading the brand's message of health, nutrition and great-tasting smoothies!
The 700-location pioneer of the health-focused juice and smoothie segment is currently seeking qualified franchise partners to develop the brand in neighborhoods in and around Orlando.
“Florida has always been a key growth market for Smoothie King, and by expanding in Orlando, we can continue feeling good about serving healthier options to more people,” said Dan Hannah, Vice President of International and Domestic Business Development. “As our store openings and same-store sales numbers continue to grow, we have been seeing increased interest in the Sunshine State.”
With the company’s focus on aggressive growth goals, the franchise system aims to have 1,000 locations by the end of 2017. Orlando is the natural next stop thanks to the city’s unique attributes. Besides being known across the country as “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is also home to both a huge local population and a bustling tourist trade. The city’s tourist attractions draw more than 57 million visitors a year, including 4.1 million international guests, providing Smoothie King with a phenomenal development opportunity.
The company expects to hit the 1,000-unit milestone by using a time-tested formula for finding franchisees that are passionate about the brand and about living a healthy and active lifestyle. Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King, knows his dual role as franchisor and franchisee has helped to instill confidence among other franchisees in the system, as they know he is in the trenches with them.
“When people believe in the brand, there’s always going to be a fire that drives growth,” Kim said. “Even during tough times, that passion never dies and continues to fuel the business. With Smoothie King, franchisees can build their business and at the same time be proud of the work they are doing, which is a win-win for all.”
By investing in a food scientist to ensure the company’s research and development process continues to stay nimble and adaptable, Smoothie King knows it has the products and strategies in place to continue its industry dominance. Smoothie King is known for providing superior products, providing guests around the world with nutritional solutions that live up to the brand’s founding vision to create “Smoothies With a Purpose.”
Now in its 42nd year of operation, Smoothie King is more primed than ever to thrive thanks to an elevated growth strategy and increased focus on finding the right franchisee partners to help implement it. Smoothie King plans to open two locations per week in 2015 and to grow the $619,244 average gross sales (of the top 25 percent of traditional franchised units in 2014) within the $2 billion industry.
“We are primed to close out more markets across the U.S. this year, and that starts with the growth opportunities in Orlando,” said Tom O’Keefe, Smoothie King’s President and COO. “We know that Smoothie King is riding strong momentum right now, and if we find the right franchisees who truly believe in bringing a nutritional solution to their community, they will be our best franchise owners.”