News

Smoothie King opening 150 units this year

May 1, 2018

Smoothie King is continuing its growth spurt, signing 36 franchise agreements this quarter across 14 states, according to a company press release. The company added 147 franchises in 2017 and expects to open 150 locations in 2018 — the most it has ever opened in the U.S. in a single year.

CEO Wan Kim credits the company's continued growth to its "Cleaner Blending" initiative and its ongoing focus on "Smoothies With A Purpose."

"Our customers are recognizing our vision — that Smoothie King is an integral part of their health and fitness journey," Kim said in the release. "As a result, we are attracting multi-unit and experienced operators that are committed to supporting healthy and active lifestyles. With five consecutive years of positive same-store sales, we see a real opportunity to combine vision and financial success."

Smoothie King launched its Cleaner Blending initiative in 2017, eliminating high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, gluten and ingredients prohibited by any regulatory lists monitored by NSF from all its smoothies. Already in 2018, it has added whole blueberries and spinach to its ingredients list and will remove artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, added hormones, GMO fruits and vegetables, and all added sugar from more than 50 smoothies by the end of this year, according to the release.
 
Franchisees are also responding positively to the company's vision, according to Smoothie King Chief Development Officer Kevin King.

"Many of our existing franchisees are expanding their franchise agreements, adding new locations and new markets," he said in the release. "They are inspired by Wan's commitment to Smoothies With A Purpose and see the opportunity to make a living by inspiring people to live a healthy and active lifestyle."
 
For example, a franchise that will open its first location in Joplin, Missouri, this year, has now decided to expand into Tulsa, Oklahoma, based on Smoothie King's financial success and commitment to the vision. Resilient LLC, led by Steven and Tristan Taggart, will open three Tulsa locations over the next three years. The company's Joplin location will open in 2018.
 
Smoothie King's expansion will continue to expand organically with a focus on 16 key markets: Baltimore; Chicago; Cincinnati; Dallas; Denver; Indianapolis; Miami; New York; Phoenix; San Antonio; Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Austin, Texas; and Washington, D.C.