STRATEGIC PARTNERS
January 15, 2014
When it comes to growth, 2013 was a success for Red Mango. The chain surpassed 270 locations, which includes units across 30 states and 43 international sites throughout Mexico, Uruguay and El Salvador, according to a company press release. The chain celebrated the addition of more than 40 new franchisees to the system, the opening of 60 new stores and entry into the states of Michigan and Kentucky.
"It was another year of exciting growth for the Red Mango brand," said Dan Kim, founder of Red Mango. "We reached new milestones with our national and international presence, we expanded the menu and we launched our exciting new Red Mango Cafe concept. We continue to push the boundaries of our category with a fantastic team of amazing franchisees, licensees and the most dedicated corporate staff in the industry."
The expansion included aggressive growth in non-traditional locations, such as airport debuts for Red Mango at San Diego International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport and more than 20 campus openings including Duke, St. John's, Miami, Baylor and Stony Brook universities.
The chain also expanded its menu options, offering a wider variety of smoothies, dairy-free Skinny Sorbetos and frozen Greek yogurt, Kim said.
The year ended with the introduction of a new Red Mango Cafe concept and a development deal for Puerto Rico. Plans in Puerto Rico include opening five restaurants in 2014. The Red Mango Cafe concept, which will continue to expand in the U.S. in 2014, features a variety of fresh made healthy items on the menu, including flatbreads, wraps and salads, all with less than 500 calories. The menu also includes fresh squeezed juices and more flavors of all-natural smoothies, Kim said.
In addition to physical advances, the company also expanded its online presence with the launch of the Red Mango app, and Kim was awarded the 2013 Digital Executive of the Year award at the first-ever RIZMY Awards for restaurant leaders in Phoenix. The award honored the chain's growth in record time with a combined social and digital reach of more than of 1.3 million fans – an audience that continues to flourish, Kim said.
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