News

Tropical Smoothie Cafe expands into Indiana with 8-store agreement

May 2, 2018

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a franchise development agreement to expand its presence in Indiana, according to a press release.

Existing franchisees David and Ruth Buko along with first-time Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee James Volpert, will develop eight cafes in the Indianapolis area; the first two are expected to open in Hamilton and Boone counties in 2019, the release said. 

The Bukos opened their first Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. Today, the husband-and-wife team owns six cafes in Lansing and Saginaw.

Volpert, an Indianapolis native, will oversee day-to-day operations of the eight new cafes, along with his wife Angela. The group is currently scouting locations in the Indianapolis area, with the first two cafes slated to open in Carmel and Fishers in 2019.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Mike Rotondo anticipates that the 21-year-old brand will continue to accelerate development in emerging markets like Indianapolis. Thus far in 2018, the company has signed nearly 100 franchise agreements, according to the release.

"With existing franchisees like the Bukos expanding their relationship with us, and new franchisees like James Volpert coming onboard, we're on track to have another stellar year," he said in the release. "We are confident that the Bukos's brand knowledge and James' leadership experience will help take the brand to new heights, as we continue to grow throughout Indianapolis and beyond."