Emerald City Smoothies Blends Franchise Up Business In Portland

Posted on February 08, 2007 by

Dynamic Smoothie Franchise Targets Oregon for Expansion, Helps Consumers Lead Healthy Lifestyles

SEATTLE — Emerald City Smoothie, a Washington-based concept known for its uniquely blended smoothies and nutritional enhancers, is “blending” its way into the greater Portland market. With more than 38 locations currently open in the U.S., the company recently announced plans to open 15-20 additional sites in the Portland area by 2010. 

Launched in 1996, the Emerald City Smoothie concept is built around two passions - great tasting smoothies and helping people achieve their health goals. Local patrons are no longer faced with chalky powders or frozen fruit and ice cream beverages for options in meal replacement. Only using fresh fruit ingredients such as strawberries and bananas, Emerald City Smoothie has created a unique niche for itself by blending health and nutrition with delicious smoothies to fill this industry void.

“We are incredibly excited to expand the concept into Portland and are delighted to introduce our wide variety of menu items to local customers,” said Jim Baskett, executive vice president of franchise development for Emerald City Smoothie. “The market’s strong economic base, diverse and expanding population makes Portland the perfect place to expand the Emerald City Smoothie concept.” 

Specifically geared toward busy individuals looking for healthful meal replacements and snacks, Emerald City Smoothie locations are strategically located in high traffic areas near health clubs and schools.  Corporate areas and airport locations are also ideal for attracting busy professionals.  With many locations currently situated in strip malls and strip centers, the company looks forward to opening more stand alone and eventually drive-through, mall and theater locations to attract a younger demographic.

Customers get as many vitamins and minerals in one Emerald City Smoothie as they can in a complete well-balanced meal.  Compared to competitors’ smoothies that can add 1,000 calories or more, most regular-sized Emerald City Smoothie products have less than 400 calories and four grams of fat.  All locations display ingredients and nutritional information, so customers can make informed decisions about what they are putting in their bodies. 

“Our customers come back because they love our smoothies,” he says. “They taste great, are highly nutritious and nourish you for hours. Many of our clients visit our stores three to five times a week, as often as twice per day.”

To augment the market’s growth, Emerald City Smoothie is seeking new franchisees to develop the Emerald City Smoothie network in Portland. Prospective franchise owners should have the resources and capacity to create and manage an organization that effectively recruits, trains, retains and motivates people.

Some of Emerald City Smoothie’s most popular items include the Lean Out, Rejuvenator, Berry Berry and Mocha Bliss. A larger sized smoothie will keep customers full for up to four hours, making it a healthy meal alternative for busy people.

Additionally, several supplemental options such as fat burners, weight gainers, muscle builders and immune boosters can be added to any smoothie to help customers reach their health and fitness goals. Prices range from $4 to $4.50 for a regular-sized smoothie, making it an easy and affordable alternative.

“We are constantly developing new recipes that cater to our customers’ tastes and lifestyle goals, adding to our core menu of more than 40 smoothies,” Baskett says.

About Emerald City Smoothie

Emerald City Smoothie is a Seattle-based franchise best known for their uniquely blended smoothies that combine fresh fruit, intense flavors and nutritional boosters.  Since their launch in 1996, the company has taken steps to ensure that every location provides the same taste, quality, friendly and knowledgeable service for all their customers. Whether looking to lose weight, build muscle, or just picking up a nutritious meal replacement, each smoothie is designed to reach a health goal or a taste sensation.