Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a fast-casual smoothie and health food restaurant, has nearly doubled its presence in Michigan over the past two years, and will continue to expand in the state with the opening of an additional 20 restaurants this year.
“Over the last six years, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has experienced … growth that’s taken our brand from 200 franchised locations to more than 465, and our average unit volume has grown by 44 percent,” says Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. “In 2016, consumers and prospective franchisees can expect even more exciting things from our fast-growing brand, including a more modern store design and testing a new, completely customizable menu.”
Rotondo says in 2015, Tropical Smoothie Cafe experienced its strongest year of growth in the company’s 19-year history. The franchise reported same-store sales growth of more than 11 percent and signed franchise agreements to develop nearly 200 new restaurants across the United States.
Debbie King, an area developer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, says the chain is looking for franchisees to open restaurants in Ann Arbor, Canton Township, Dearborn, Plymouth Township, Westland, and Ypsilanti.
Currently, there are Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Clawson, Rochester Hills, Livonia, Macomb Township, Dearborn, West Bloomfield, and Brighton, among others.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers smoothies using strawberries, pineapple, mango, kale, and avocado. The restaurant also features food options such as flatbreads, tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
King says the company is looking for franchisees with business experience, $100,000 in liquid assets, and a net worth of at least $300,000. She says each Tropical Smoothie Café costs between $165,000 and $415,000 to open.
