Staffing

Tropical Smoothie Cafe names CMO

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has named Deborah von Kutzleben, former vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arby's, as CMO. Provided.

November 10, 2021

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has tapped Deborah von Kutzleben, former vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arby's, as CMO.

"Deborah has a strong track record of creating and executing strategies to take brands to the next level, and we believe she can help us elevate Tropical Smoothie Cafe to become a household name," Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, said in a company release. "With her purpose-driven approach, she is the right leader to drive guest awareness and connection with the brand as we remain focused on our aggressive growth initiatives."

Tropical Smoothie Cafe recentlycelebrated its 1,000th-cafe milestone and is on a nine-year streak of same-store sales increases.

"Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers an incredible opportunity with a growing brand that is pioneering a new paradigm in healthier eating and community involvement," von Kutzleben said in the release. "I look forward to making a positive impact and inspiring better for our franchisees, their crew members, guests and the support center team."

The company is on track to hit 130 total openings in 2021 and its long-term goal of reaching 1,500 units by the end of 2024.