As the world moves towards healthier lifestyle options, the demand for smoothies and other health-conscious beverages has seen an increase. After all, smoothies can offer a convenient and delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and more. Tropical Smoothie Café identified this opportunity early on and has established itself as a premier, healthy-eating restaurant franchise.
Featuring a menu packed with smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads, Tropical Smoothie Café provides an abundance of healthy options that appeal to almost any taste. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to open a franchise of your own, Tropical Smoothie Café offers an attractive investment opportunity.
Tropical Smoothie Café is a turnkey franchise opportunity. This means that you receive comprehensive training and support throughout the entire process, from start to finish. Here’s everything you need to know about opening a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise.
About Tropical Smoothie Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Café, also referred to as Tropical Smoothie, is a fast-casual restaurant franchise founded in 1997. The brand has become a well-recognized name on the food service scene by offering its patrons a healthier alternative lifestyle with delicious and nutritious smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and bowls.
At Tropical Smoothie Café, all their recipes are created using fresh ingredients sourced from local farms wherever possible. From signature favorites like the Island Green smoothie and Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wrap to seasonal creations like Mega Mango smoothies or Avocado Summer Salads, there’s something for everyone at Tropical Smoothie Café.
Tropical Smoothie Café has become more than just a restaurant franchise; it’s a lifestyle brand for those looking for better-for-you alternatives. Whether you’re looking for an energizing pre-workout meal or a quick grab-and-go lunch option, Tropical Smoothie Café has that perfect blend of nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling great afterward.
Opening a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise is a great way to jump into the healthy food service industry. Not only do you get access to a recognizable brand and established processes, but you also receive comprehensive training from experienced professionals.
Tropical Smoothie Franchise History
Tropical Smoothie Café has a long and proud history of providing delicious, healthy meals to customers all over the United States. The brand was founded in 1993 by Eric Jenrich and Delora Jenrich, as well as David Walker, all of whom had experience in the world of franchising. The first Tropical Smoothie Café opened along the panhandle of Florida.
In 1997, they took the next step and established Tropical Smoothie Franchise Development Corporation in Destin, Florida. The first franchise opened its doors in Tallahassee in 1998, and soon after that, it expanded its menu with healthier food options such as wraps, salads, and sandwiches.
In 2016, Tropical Smoothie Café celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its 500th location in Westland, Michigan. And just five years later, in 2021, Tropical Smoothie Café celebrated another momentous event when it opened its 1000th location in Dallas, Texas.
Today, there are over 1,150 locations across the US – with more in development – that provide delicious and nutritious food options to customers everywhere while also staying true to its commitment to health-conscious lifestyle choices.
Franchise Model Table
| Initial Investment | $277,000–$584,000 |
| Franchise | YES |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% |
| Liquidity | $125,000 |
| Estimated Outlets | 1150+ |
How Much Does It Cost To Open a Tropical Smoothie Franchise?
The investment to open a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise is relatively modest when compared to other fast-casual restaurants. The total cost of the initial investment will range from $277,000 to $584,000 and is dependent on several factors, such as the size and location of your restaurant.
The highest cost is the Franchise Fee which is set at $30,000 for non-veterans. However, there is a reduced fee of $15,000 available for veterans, so if you are a veteran looking to purchase your first franchise, then that could be a great way to save some money.
In addition to the upfront costs, there are ongoing fees that you’ll need to consider when owning a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise, such as royalty fees and advertising costs. The royalty fee is 6% of gross sales, and the national marketing contribution ranges between 3% and 4%. There’s also a local advertising fund that’s set at 2% of gross sales each month.
Tropical Smoothie Franchise Requirements
To become a franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café, there are a few key requirements that must be met.
First and foremost, it’s important to have some business experience to effectively manage your franchise’s day-to-day operations. Experience in food service, retail, or hospitality is particularly beneficial since these industries provide many of the same skillsets required to run a successful business.
It’s also important to have an understanding of the brand culture and business model of Tropical Smoothie Café. Through training and support, you’ll learn how to adhere to the systems and procedures necessary for success as well as gain an understanding of what makes its menus unique.
In addition to having the right skill set and knowledge base, prospective franchisees must also meet certain financial requirements. The minimum liquid capital required is $125,000, while the minimum net worth requirement is set at $350,000.
Tropical Smoothie Franchise Training And Support
When it comes to training and support, Tropical Smoothie Café provides a comprehensive package for its franchisees.
The four-week training program begins with two weeks of hands-on experience at one of the nearby Tropical Smoothie Café locations. During this time, you’ll be trained on all aspects of running a successful franchise, from understanding the menu items to learning how to use its point-of-sale system.
Following the initial two weeks, you’ll spend one week at its Support Center in Atlanta, where you’ll attend classes and seminars led by experienced business experts. During these sessions, you’ll be taught valuable skills such as menu cost analysis, marketing strategies, and financial management, which will help you run your business more efficiently.
Finally, there will be 10 days of onsite support available prior to the grand opening. During this time, a team of professionals will provide assistance with setting up your store, managing inventory, and helping with staff hiring.
Tropical Smoothie Franchise Terms Of Agreement & Renewal
The initial term of the agreement for owning a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise is 15 years with the option to renew for one additional 10-year term provided that all standards have been met throughout the course of ownership. There are no renewal fees attached.
For those who wish to end their contract earlier than expected, an Early Termination Fee must be paid in full before leaving the program. The amount owed will depend on how many years remain in your current contract, but it generally ranges between $5,000–$25,000 depending on various factors such as location and store size.
Tropical Smoothie Franchise Obligations And Restrictions
Aside from the initial costs of opening a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise and general training/support requirements, there are a few additional obligations and restrictions for owners to be aware of.
For starters, all franchisees must follow the branding guidelines and use approved marketing materials when advertising their store. Additionally, the menus must contain certain items that are determined by the franchisor, and any changes to these items must be approved by them before being implemented.
Finally, franchisees are also expected to adhere to operational guidelines, including stocking specific products at all times as well as submitting weekly/monthly sales reports to the franchisor.
Tropical Smoothie Franchise Financial Assistance
Tropical Smoothie does not offer any direct or indirect financing, nor does it guarantee any note, lease, or obligation in terms of financial assistance. However, it does participate in the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program, which offers special incentives to eligible veterans looking to become franchise owners.
Through this program, veterans can receive financial incentives to help reduce the initial costs associated with opening a Tropical Smoothie Café.
Tropical Smoothie Café Comparison
| Company | Tropical Smoothie Café | Playa Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1993 | 2014 |
| Initial Investment | $257,500- $560,500 | $168,675-$435,058 |
| Franchise-Fee | $30,000 | $3,000 |
| Total Outlet | 1000 | 140 |
| Annual Revenue | $500 Million | $3.65 Million |
Conclusion
Opening a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for those with the financial means and dedication to run their own business. With comprehensive training, ongoing support, and special incentives available to veterans, this is an ideal option for those looking to enter the food service industry.
Now that you have a better understanding of the requirements, obligations, and restrictions associated with owning a Tropical Smoothie Café, you can make an informed decision to determine if this is the right opportunity for you.
FAQs
How long has Tropical Smoothie been in business?
The café was founded in 1997. And then, in 1998, it opened its first Franchise in Tallahassee, Florida. Now it’s expanded its business to more than 40 states of the U.S.
Does Tropical Smoothie Café offer Franchise or is it a corporation?
Tropical Smoothies offer a franchise, and it is one of the fastest-growing franchise brands known for smoothies and food with a tropical twist.
How much does a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise Cost?
To buy a franchise of Tropical Smoothie Café, you’ll require an investment of $257,500- $560,500 and $30,000 as an initial franchise fee.
Who is the owner of Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is owned by Mike Rotondo and the Waypoint Restaurant Group, which owns and operates over 300 restaurants throughout the United States.
How Many Tropical Smoothie Locations Are There?
As of 2023, there are over 1150 Tropical Smoothie locations across the United States.
Is Opening A Tropical Smoothie Franchise A Good Investment?
Opening a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise is an excellent investment for those who have the financial resources and dedication. With a 15% profit margin and the opportunity to open multiple locations, this could be an excellent option for you.
Amit Gupta is the founder of DrFranchises – a digital marketing agency that helps brands rank better on Google Maps through local SEO strategies. Amit has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing. He’s also the owner of multiple franchises and has helped countless brands achieve success online. When he’s not working, Amit can be found playing with his dog.