News

Tropical Smoothie signs 6-unit deal for South Carolina

December 6, 2016

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a franchise development agreement with industry veterans Bill Ruby and Greg Powell to expand its presence in South Carolina. The partners will open six cafes throughout the Upstate area with the first location expected to open in Greenville during the first quarter of 2017, according to a company press release.

"Tropical Smoothie has experienced a surge of franchise development this year, propelled by our brand’s overall national expansion efforts and ongoing success," said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. "We’ve been looking for franchise partners with restaurant and operations experience, as well as a passion and desire to provide unparalleled service and high-quality food. We found that in Bill and Greg, who both have deep roots in the hospitality industry, and we’re thrilled to have them on board to help catapult our growth throughout South Carolina."

Ruby and Powell, who bring more than two decades of experience to Tropical Smoothie Café, most recently worked together for Denny’s Corporation, where Ruby led marketing efforts as vice president of field marketing and later became vice president of company operations. Powell spearheaded branded concepts as vice president of concept innovation and development. Previously, Ruby held corporate marketing and operations positions for large brands, including Chili’s Grill and Bar, Little Caesar’s, A&W Restaurants and Yum Brands, while Powell had a hand in building and growing well-known emerging and legacy brands, including Burger King, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Arby's, according to the release.

"Greg and I established a strong professional rapport during our time at Denny’s and knew we wanted to venture out into franchising together," said Ruby. "With our sights set on a successful fast casual concept, we identified Tropical Smoothie Cafe as a brand that’s continued to evolve over the years while consistently providing customers with new and innovative healthy food and smoothie options, and knew this was something we wanted to be a part of. There’s tremendous growth potential in the Upstate market, and we’re confident that Tropical Smoothie will resonate with residents in the communities we’ll serve." 

The agreement in South Carolina is fueled by Tropical Smoothie Cafe's accelerated franchise development plans. On the heels of one of the strongest years in the company's 19-year history, the brand propelled its expansion throughout 2016, and grew its presence in key markets nationwide, including Charleston, South Carolina; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dallas, Texas and Southern California, Rotondo said.

The franchise plans to exceed 550 restaurants nationwide by year’s end and has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta and Columbus, among others. By 2018, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to have 800 units open across the U.S.