Tropical Smoothie Cafe Targeting Orlando For Franchise Growth

Local Entrepreneurs Invited to Join CEO Mike Rotondo in Altamonte Springs on July 1 to Learn about Business Opportunities

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Jun 10, 2015, 09:00 ET

ATLANTA, June 10, 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 it is aggressively targeting Orlando, Fla., for franchise growth. Over the next 1-2 years, the sandwich and smoothie franchise aims to open five new locations throughout Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties. Currently, there are nine cafes in the Greater Orlando area.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise executives, including CEO Mike Rotondo, will host a special event on Wednesday, July 1 from 7 – 9 p.m. for local entrepreneurs to learn about franchise opportunities with the fast casual brand. Attendees will be treated to food and smoothie samples and a tour of the cafe, and have the chance to connect in person with Rotondo, as well as Charles Watson, vice president of franchise development, Sam Osborne, area developer, and local Orlando-based franchisees Arman Marukayn and Andrew Howell. The event will be held at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe located at 851 South SR, Suite 424, Unit 1000 in Altamonte Springs.

"Tropical Smoothie Cafe is well known in the Greater Orlando area, where we have nearly ten locations, and the region continues to be a prime development target due to its popular tourist attractions," said Sam Osborne, area developer and franchisee for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. "Recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the country by Forbes, Orlando has incredible business potential for entrepreneurs who are ready to provide healthy lifestyles and better-for-you choices to the residents of the Sunshine state."

Howell, a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee who owns one location in Orlando, Fla., worked in the hospitality industry for ten years before deciding to become a franchise owner.

"Simply stated, this brand fits my personality and continues to offer corporate support, making it an ideal business decision for me as a new entrepreneur," said Howell. "I thrive in the fun-loving, healthy atmosphere and find joy in helping my customers improve their overall well-being. It also makes me feel good that with each cafe opening we create more than a dozen jobs in the local community, especially for young people, many of whom are starting their career in the restaurant industry."

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. The healthy fast food franchise currently boasts an average unit volume (AUV) of more than $578,000 — the highest in the company's 18-year history — with the top 50 percent reporting an AUV of $734,000.

In the first quarter of 2015, Tropical Smoothie Cafe reported a 12.31-percent growth in same-store sales and franchise agreements to open 51 new cafes across the U.S. This year, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to exceed 500 stores nationwide and sign franchise agreements for 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.

For more information about opening your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, please visit http://tropicalfranchise.com/orlando-event to register for the upcoming Orlando event.

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