Operations

Q2 sales soar at Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Provided

July 14, 2021

Tropical Smoothie Cafe growth is soaring with Q2 same-store sales increasing 42.3% and year-to-date sales up 38%, according to a company press release.

The Atlanta-based chain signed 105 franchise agreements during the quarter and has opened 63 locations and signed 200 franchise agreements since the beginning of the year. It's on pace to open 130 cafes in 2021, which will put it over 1,000 units.

"We are driving sales and excitement around our brand with new products, great offers for our loyalty members and convenient ordering through our digital channels," CEO Charles Watson said in the release. "This quarter, a record-breaking 75% of our signed agreements came from existing franchisees, which shows they are the heart of our brand and dedicated to our future growth."

The chain is seeking franchise candidates with business experience and a minimum net worth of $350,000, which includes $125,000 in liquid assets. Candidates who meet these preliminary qualifications will need to make an initial investment ranging between $257,500 and $560,500. The franchise has an average unit volume of more than $840,000 — the highest in the company's 24-year-history — with the top 50% reporting an AUV of more than $1 million, said Watson, who will speak about the chain's growth at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, Aug. 10-12 in Atlanta. Registration is open.

Tropical Smoothie ranked No. 11 on the Fast Casual annual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, climbing two spots from the previous year.