Tropical Smoothie Cafe Blends Cold Stone, Subway & Blimpie Expertise to Offer Up a Bold Strategy for Success

Posted on May 15, 2007 by

Rapid Growing Smoothie Concept Announces Plans for Aggressive Expansion

Destin, FL – Poised as one of the strongest contenders in the fast casual smoothie and sandwich industry, Tropical Smoothie Café has upped the ante with a solid team of seasoned franchise veterans from Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie and Subway to command the attention of smoothie-goers from coast-to-coast. The brand plans to resonate throughout the United States quadrupling its presence from 245 locations to nearly 1,300 cafés during the next five years.

“Tropical Smoothie Café’s aim toward such impressive growth figures, from 245 to nearly 1,300 over the next five years is not surprising,” Eric Jenrich, co-founder of Tropical Smoothie Café, said. “The concept’s growth to date, in combination with the sturdy team guiding its new strategy make this figure for growth a number well within our reach.”

Heading its expansion throughout the United States is a potent mix of talent that is generating the attention and respect of many leaders in the franchise industry. Tropical Smoothie Café’s growth is spearheaded by Chief Operating Officer Jim Valentino, former vice president of operations for the ice cream company Cold Stone Creamery, and his wife, Barbara, the former senior director of marketing for the brand. The Valentinos’ were, in large part, responsible for taking the Cold Stone Creamery concept from 100 locations to 1,200 locations in just seven years.

Joining the Valentinos’ to take the Tropical Smoothie Café brand national are its founders, Jenrich and his wife Delora, both former area developers for the famous Blimpie franchise, and their partner David Walker, formerly with the Subway franchise.

“We have an extremely dynamic and talented team of individuals with backgrounds that encompass many facets of the franchise industry,” said Jenrich.  “Our proven business model coupled with Jim and Barbara’s expertise in operations and marketing have given Tropical Smoothie Café the right ingredients to continue our aggressive growth right here in the United States.”

Tropical Smoothie Café offers consumers in more than 31 states an enticing selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options including more than 35 real-fruit smoothies blended together to create an intense mouthwatering experience. Children and adults alike can satisfy their taste buds with an array of specialty wraps, gourmet sandwiches and salads that offer a tasty treat in a tropical aura.

The brand offers an affordable franchise opportunity for potential investors eager to expand or diversify their portfolio. The franchise fee is $20,000, while initial start up costs range from $235,000 to $325,000. Tropical Smoothie Café supports franchisees with initial and step-by-step training, ongoing support and guidance to help them run a successful business. An average café can exist in a space of 1,200 to 2,400 square feet showcasing a fresh and colorful atmosphere where diners can enjoy nutritionally packed fare.

“One of our guiding principles is to bring out the best in each other with a steadfast commitment to ‘wowing’ our customers every time they enter a Tropical Smoothie Café,” Jim Valentino said. “As a team, we take this principle to heart as we strive to build Tropical Smoothie Café into a national brand we’re proud to represent.”

About Tropical Smoothie Café

Established in Destin, Florida in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level offering diners a healthy alternative. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, specialty wraps, gourmet sandwiches and salads. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ranked 127 out 500 and rated one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, the concept currently has 245 locations in 31 states with four locations in India. Plans call for more than 400 locations by the end of 2008, and an additional 200 by the end of 2009.