News

Tropical Smoothie taking on Alabama

November 12, 2013

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced plans to add 15 more locations in Alabama in the coming years. The chain, which has 11 locations throughout the state, including two in the Birmingham metropolitan area, is seeking franchise partners to develop new restaurants in the following cities:

• Birmingham — Four locations.
• Mobile — Four locations.
• Huntsville —Four locations, the first of which would mark the brand's entry into the city.
• Montgomery —Two locations.
• Florence — One location, which would mark the brand's entry into the city.

The development plan in Alabama is part of the 350-plus unit brand's overall growth strategy to open 53 locations throughout the U.S. in 2014, according to the release. Tropical Smoothie Café decided to focus on Alabama as a key growth state because of the growing local demand for healthier food options coupled with the strong performance of the existing Alabama locations.

In fact, Birmingham is home to one of the brand's top-performing franchisees, Mike Tate, whose location ranks No. 1 in catering sales in the Tropical Smoothie Café system. Based on the success of that location, Tate recently opened a second Tropical Smoothie Café franchise in Tuscaloosa on the University of Alabama campus, his alma mater.

"More and more folks in Alabama are beginning to pay attention to what they're eating. They increasingly want healthier and convenient food options," said Tate. "Whether customers are looking to place a catering order for a business lunch or just want to stop in for a healthy snack, Tropical Smoothie Café can fill that growing need with its smoothies packed with fruits and veggies and delicious food."

Read more about growth.