Operations

Smoothie King expanding in Dallas

Provided

August 7, 2023

Smoothie King has signed a multi-unit development agreement to bring 15 locations to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Leading the brand's expansion in its home market is multi-unit franchisee Mohammed Azaz, of HIBA-SK LLC, who acquired six Smoothie King locations last year. The announcement builds on the momentum that Smoothie King has sustained in recent months, remaining on pace to open 100 locations before the end of 2023. The brand has also added 71 stores to its pipeline since the start of the year.

"We welcomed Mohammad to the Smoothie King family last year and we're privileged that he'll be expanding his presence with our brand through multiple new store builds," Chris Bremer, chief development officer, Smoothie King, said in a company press release. "We're always looking to partner with experienced franchisees that are not only eager to grow but also passionate about making a positive impact in their community. Mohammed has exemplified this passion throughout his franchising career and we are proud that he will be growing his portfolio further with Smoothie King."

A former healthcare executive at Oracle Cerner, an American supplier of health information technology supplies and services, Azaz began pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams because he wanted the opportunity to control and measure his own growth. Now, with 15 years of franchising experience, Azaz has developed over 30 franchised locations across Kansas City predominantly with Great Clips and Goddard Preschools. As the largest Great Clips franchisee in Kansas City, Azaz is adding more Smoothie King locations to his portfolio because of the brand's leadership and continued innovation, among other core differentiators.

"I've been actively searching to further diversify my portfolio, and Smoothie King immediately stood out for its strong company mission, category leadership, products and the ongoing support it provides franchisees," Azaz said in the release. "It's also inspiring to learn more about Wan Kim's journey from franchisee to CEO, and the dedication that each corporate team member has for the brand. It's something I chose to be a part of, and I'm excited to develop new locations with Smoothie King and build my existing portfolio with the brand."

Smoothie King Franchises Inc. has over 1,350 locations.