News

Nekter Juice Bar accelerates growth in Q1

May 3, 2016

Nekter Juice Bar signed 29 franchise agreements in the first quarter of 2016, growing its footprint in the United States by more than 50 percent, according to a company press release. The chain also experienced a significant uptick of 5 percent in same-store sales in the first quarter.

"With 29 commitments signed in just the first quarter of 2016, it speaks volumes to how Nekter is becoming the juice bar investment of choice among the franchise community," said CEO Steve Schulze "From experienced leadership to proven training, operations and marketing programs, Nekter Juice Bar offers a solid foundation for success. As we continue to grow, we are looking for franchise partners who share our passion for making a positive difference in their communities by providing a simple, affordable and great-tasting pathway to wellness."

The brand, which in six years has become a predominant lifestyle brand within the juice and smoothie industry, announced plans early in 2016, to grow the fast-casual concept to 300 corporate and franchise restaurants in the United States during the next five years, Schulze said.

Nekter has 41 corporate and 16 franchise restaurants in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas. Within the $2.3 billion juice and smoothie industry, Nekter offers its franchisees a category-leading average unit volume of $884,795, per the company’s 2015 Franchise Disclosure Document, Schulze said.

"We looked at very aggressive proposals from several franchisors, but Nekter Juice Bar offered a proven concept that delivered on not only sales and margin, but also the highest quality menu offerings," said Aman Batta, who now owns and operates two Nekter Juice Bars in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, with plans to open at least five stores in the next few years. "The juice and smoothie market was in need of a drastic change, and Nekter has stepped up to modernize the industry by using clean, unprocessed ingredients versus artificial flavors, unnecessary sugars or fillers. Today’s more health-conscious consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, flock to Nekter, and that trend will surely continue to accelerate."

Nekter's success is bolstered by an innovative research and development program, a newly unveiled and updated restaurant design, and enhanced digital initiatives including a new immersive website. The chain plans to launch a loyalty app this spring to enhance the guest experience both inside the restaurants and online, Schulze said.

It will also introduce several fresh menu and deli-case offerings in the spring, including new acai bowls and smoothies, Grab-n-Go options, a revamped Advanced Signature cleanse, and the seasonal return of its popular line of premium cocktail mixers, Nekter on the Rocks.