Tropical Smoothie Cafe Announces Highest Average Unit Volume In 18-year History

Leading Fast Casual Cafe Now Boasts AUV of More Than $578,000 with Top 50 Percent Exceeding $734,000

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Apr 23, 2015, 10:33 ET

ATLANTA, April 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, announced today an all-time high average unit volume (AUV) of more than $578,000, while the top 50 percent of its cafes nationwide reported exceeding $734,000.

"We are thrilled that in the last year our system's AUV has grown by nearly 10 percent — an outstanding result of Tropical Smoothie Cafe introducing more fresh food featuring bold flavors and quality ingredients, and our franchisees' hard work and passion for the brand," said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Franchisee Mike Tate spent more than 20 years as a sales representative in the pharmaceutical industry before his company, Merck, was acquired and layoffs were expected — giving him the unique opportunity to pursue a dream of owning his own business. He now owns a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Birmingham, Ala.

"I decided franchising would be a perfect career move because of my background in sales and working with people. I decided I'd really enjoy operating a restaurant and ultimately chose Tropical Smoothie Cafe because of its healthy menu items," said Tate, whose Birmingham cafe exceeded $900,000 in sales last year. "Tropical Smoothie Cafe has developed a simple business model that allows its franchisees to keep development costs low, but still offer high-quality food and smoothies that help drive traffic and sales."

Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently announced the signing of 51 franchise agreements and a same-store sales increase of 12.31 percent in the first quarter of 2015. The sandwich and smoothie franchise plans to exceed 500 stores nationwide and sign franchise agreements for an additional 150 new locations. The brand currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland and Columbus, Ohio, among others. By 2018, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to have 800 stores open across the U.S.

Candidates should have business experience, preferably in the restaurant industry; $100,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $300,000; and an initial investment of between $165,940 and $414,685.

For more information about opening your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com.

About Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Founded in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant concept inspiring healthy lifestyles across the country, with over 425 locations nationwide. With snack and meal options for any time of day, Tropical Smoothie Cafe serves smoothies, salads, tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades including being ranked on Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and Nation's Restaurant News' 2013 Top 200. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is seeking qualified franchisees to expand throughout the United States in markets such as Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte and Columbus, Ohio, among others.

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SOURCE Tropical Smoothie Cafe