1851

With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/08/18/many-americans-say-they-have-shifted-their-priorities-around-health-and-social-activities-during-covid-19/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise-2724636" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">health</a> being a higher priority among individuals following the pandemic, healthy food franchises are on the rise and competition is fierce. Within the healthy food industry exists the popular niche of smoothie franchises. Industry giants Smoothie King and Tropical Smoothie Cafe are among some of the most successful and most recognizable smoothie brands in the country. So what sets them apart from each other, and which is the better investment for potential franchisees?<h3>The Brands</h3><a href="https://www.smoothiekingfranchise.com/investment/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=best-friends-and-multi-unit-smoothie-king-and-mosquito-joe-franchise-owners-bring-pool-scouts-to-miami-2715165&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise-2724636" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smoothie King</a> has been making nutritious smoothies since 1973. In 1989, it became the first smoothie franchise in the United States. The brand prides itself on creating smoothies that help people achieve specific goals, whether the focus is weight management or nutrition. Consumers can also add powdered “enhancers” to their smoothies such as extra protein, energy or collagens. Smoothie King has expanded over the years to sell energy bars and vitamin supplements too. In July of 2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wan-kim-3a4a604/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise-2724636" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wan Kim</a> purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-wan-kim-ceo-of-smoothie-king-thrived-by-changing-the-way-the-world-thinks-about-smoothies-10376#stories">Smoothie King</a> after finding success with the brand as a franchisee. He has since opened over 100 stores in South Korea.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com/priority-markets/?utm_source=google&amp%3Butm_medium=cpc&amp%3Butm_campaign=Search+-+Non-Brand+-+Priority&amp%3Butm_term=BrandGeneral&amp%3Butm_content=Responsive+-+A&amp%3Bgad_source=1&amp%3Bgclid=Cj0KCQiAyeWrBhDDARIsAGP1mWQ2us_CGC1LdrWYluKGhBvDrUyW5iKkh7835-x6U8Kj4SMAC8H8VNEaAsNWEALw_wcB&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise-2724636" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tropical Smoothie</a> was established in 1997 in Florida, with the first franchised location opening just a year later. The brand, which promotes a stress-free beach vibe, serves up healthy smoothies, with optional supplements such as whey protein, vitamins and probiotics. The menu also features a wide range of food options, including sandwiches, wraps and flatbreads.&nbsp;<h3>The Investment</h3><a href="https://www.smoothiekingfranchise.com/investment/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=best-friends-and-multi-unit-smoothie-king-and-mosquito-joe-franchise-owners-bring-pool-scouts-to-miami-2715165&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise-2724636" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smoothie King</a>Initial Investment: $311,601 to&nbsp;$1,379,150Unit Count: 1300The initial investment required to open a Smoothie King franchise depends on the model a franchisee chooses. An endcap or inline location requires an initial investment ranging from $311,601 to $638,465, whereas a free-standing location with a drive-thru requires an initial investment of $762,400 to $1,379,150.Potential franchisees must also have a net worth of at least $350K, a minimum liquidity of $150K and a minimum credit score of 700.<a href="https://www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com/priority-markets/?utm_source=google&amp%3Butm_medium=cpc&amp%3Butm_campaign=Search+-+Non-Brand+-+Priority&amp%3Butm_term=BrandGeneral&amp%3Butm_content=Responsive+-+A&amp%3Bgad_source=1&amp%3Bgclid=Cj0KCQiAyeWrBhDDARIsAGP1mWQ2us_CGC1LdrWYluKGhBvDrUyW5iKkh7835-x6U8Kj4SMAC8H8VNEaAsNWEALw_wcB&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise-2724636" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tropical Smoothie</a>Initial Investment: $296,500 to $661,500Unit Count: 1,197To open a Tropical Smoothie franchise, the initial investment is between $296,500 to $661,500, with an average cost of $440K. Franchisees must also pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6%, as well as a 3-4% national marketing fee and a 2% local advertising cooperative contribution.Potential franchisees are also required to have a minimum net worth of $350K, including $125K in liquid assets.<h3>Potential Profitability&nbsp;</h3>Smoothie KingThe average net sales of a Smoothie King location in 2022, according to the brand’s 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), was $590,935. For the two previous years, the average net sales are provided below.<ul><li>Average Net Sales in 2021: $609,753</li><li>Average Net Sales in 2020: $521,461</li></ul>Tropical SmoothieTropical Smoothie Cafe has provided its earning data in the form of revenue. The average revenue of a Tropical Smoothie Cafe location in 2022, according to the brand’s 2023 FDD, was $992,613. For the two previous years, the average net revenue is provided below.<ul><li>Average Net Revenue in 2021: $1,009,803</li><li>Average Net Revenue in 2020: $836,218&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Wellness Franchises Are Trending</h3>While healthy lifestyles are trending, smoothie franchises are reaping the benefits.&nbsp;Both smoothie franchise opportunities offer entrepreneurs something different. Smoothie King has a long history with an established customer base, and Tropical Smoothie has lower startup costs and a wider variety of food offerings. Smoothie King’s products align with consumer’s health goals and provide them a tool for achieving them. Meanwhile, Tropical Smoothie offers healthy options in a casual, tropical-themed restaurant.&nbsp;Either way, both franchise opportunities are situated in an industry that is growing, making both opportunities worth your consideration.&nbsp;

Tropical Smoothie Vs. Smoothie King, Which Is The Better Franchise?

1851 Franchise

The two smoothie franchises both support healthy lifestyles and have loyal customer bases, but let’s compare the costs and profitability.

tropical-smoothie-vs-smoothie-king-which-is-the-better-franchise

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Franchisee Spotlight with Billy and Anita Clark and Seniors Helping Seniors

Heart and Purpose: Couple Launch Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Northern Arizona

heart-and-purpose-couple-launch-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-in-northern-arizona

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

Tropical Smoothie Vs. Smoothie King, Which Is The Better Franchise?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS