World’s fastest growing smoothie franchise moves into East Coast, plans for 105 new deals this year.
Smoothie King is looking to provide residents of Philadelphia with healthy drink alternatives, an inventive menu and dedication to juices and smoothies of the highest quality. After posting impressive growth and strong sales numbers, including a 5.64 percent comp sales increase in January, the brand is aiming to sign 105 new deals in 2015 and is spearheading the initiative by seeking qualified prospects in Philadelphia to open 40 new locations. The Philadelphia market is already home to some exceptional Smoothie King franchisees spreading the brand’s message of health, nutrition and great-tasting smoothies!
“Philadelphia presents a crucial expansion market for Smoothie King and will be influential in our plans to sign 100 new franchises representing 160 locations in 2015,” Dan Hannah, Vice President of International and Domestic Business Development at Smoothie King. “Through the signing of qualified single- and multi-unit franchisees, we will be able to increase our influence in Philadelphia and provide more people with good-for-you products.”
The juice and smoothie innovator plans to have 1,000 locations by the end of 2017. More than 700 Smoothie King locations are currently open globally. Philadelphia is a vital next step in reaching the brand’s goals, and Smoothie King aims to capitalize on the city’s thriving economic activity and influence on cuisine, arts and culture.
The company expects to hit the 1,000-unit milestone by using a time-tested formula for finding franchisees that are passionate about the brand and about living a healthy and active lifestyle. Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King, knows his dual role as franchisor and franchisee has helped to instill confidence among other franchisees in the system, as they know he is in the trenches with them.
“When people believe in the brand, there’s always going to be a fire that drives growth,” Kim said. “Even during tough times, that passion never dies and continues to fuel the business. With Smoothie King, franchisees can build their business and at the same time be proud of the work they are doing, which is a win-win for all.”
By investing in a food scientist to ensure the company’s research and development process continues to stay nimble and adaptable, Smoothie King knows it has the products and strategies in place to continue its industry dominance. Smoothie King is known for providing superior products, providing guests around the world with nutritional solutions that live up to the brand’s founding vision to create “Smoothies With a Purpose.”
Now in its 42nd year of operation, Smoothie King is more primed than ever to thrive thanks to an elevated growth strategy and increased focus on finding the right franchisee partners to help implement it. Smoothie King plans to open two locations every week in 2015 and to grow the $567,578 average gross sales (of the top 25 percent of traditional franchised units in 2013) within the $2 billion industry.
“We are primed to close out more markets across the U.S. this year, and that starts with the growth opportunities in Philadelphia,” said Tom O’Keefe, Smoothie King’s President and COO. “We know that Smoothie King is riding strong momentum right now, and if we find the right franchisees who truly believe in bringing a nutritional solution to their community, they will be our best franchise owners.”
