ATLANTA, Nov. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tropical Smoothie Café, a restaurant concept known for its healthy food and smoothies with a tropical twist, has announced plans to add 15 more locations in Alabama in the coming years.
Tropical Smoothie Café, which currently has 11 locations throughout the state including two in the Birmingham metropolitan area, is seeking franchise partners to develop new restaurants in the following cities:
- Birmingham – Four locations
- Mobile – Four locations
- Huntsville – Four locations, the first of which would mark the brand's entry into the city.
- Montgomery – Two locations
- Florence – One location, which would mark the brand's entry into the city.
The development plan in Alabama is part of the 350-plus unit brand's overall growth strategy to open 53 locations throughout the U.S. in 2014. Tropical Smoothie Café decided to focus on Alabama as a key growth state because of the growing local demand for healthier food options coupled with the strong performance of the existing Alabama locations.
In fact, Birmingham is home to one of the brand's top-performing franchisees, Mike Tate, whose location ranks number one in catering sales in the Tropical Smoothie Café system. Based on the success of that location, Tate recently opened a second Tropical Smoothie Café franchise in Tuscaloosa on the University of Alabama campus, his alma mater.
"More and more folks in Alabama are beginning to pay attention to what they're eating. They increasingly want healthier and convenient food options," said Tate. "Whether customers are looking to place a catering order for a business lunch or just want to stop in for a healthy snack, Tropical Smoothie Café can fill that growing need with its smoothies packed with fruits and veggies and delicious food."
By pairing made-to-order smoothies with healthy, innovative menu items, Tropical Smoothie Café appeals to a broad consumer base during all dayparts. With systemwide revenue approximately split between smoothie and food purchases, the two-in-one business model has led to strong sales with average unit volumes in excess of $500,000. In 2013, Nation's Restaurant News recognized Tropical Smoothie Café on its list of "Top 10 Newcomers" and ranked Tropical Smoothie Café number one for growth in U.S. systemwide sales among brands included on its "Second 100" list.
Tropical Smoothie Café is seeking partnerships with local franchisees with general business experience who are active in the community. Restaurant and food industry experience, though preferred, is not required to open a Tropical Smoothie Café. That's because Tropical Smoothie Café does not use complicated or expensive equipment often found in the fast-casual industry, such as grills, deep fryers or hoods, offering prospective candidates an easy-to-operate business opportunity.
To inquire about franchise opportunities, visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com. For locations and general information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.
About Tropical Smoothie Café
Established in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level by offering diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, specialty wraps, sandwiches, grilled flatbreads and salads. The company also caters. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For several consecutive years, Tropical Smoothie Café has been included in Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" list as well as ranked in the publication's "America's Top Global" franchise category. Tropical Smoothie Café has more than 350 locations open in the United States, with an additional 46 currently in development. For information about franchising opportunities, visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com. For more information about Tropical Smoothie Café, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.