WHEN:
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Smoothie King
Northridge Shopping Center
755 E. Commercial Blvd.
Oakland Park, FL 33334
VISUAL:
Ribbon cutting
Line of first guests to visit the new Smoothie King
Unveiling of new Smoothie King Interior
Oakland Park, Fla. — Smoothie King, the premier smoothie bar and nutritional lifestyle center in the industry, will unveil its new Oakland Park store on Wednesday morning, with a grand opening event. In celebration of the event, free 12 ounce Angel Food smoothies will be given throughout the day, some restrictions may apply.
With its store opening, Smoothie King hopes to entice Fort Lauderdale area residents and visitors to adopt healthier lifestyles by adding smoothies and healthy snacks to their diets and incorporating more fitness into their daily routines.
Under its accelerated expansion plan, Smoothie King plans to open more than 1,000 stores across the United States over the next 3 years. The Metairie, LA-based company, which currently operates more than 700 units, reports it has extensive franchise opportunities available in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. International development includes master franchise and corporate expansion in Korea, Singapore and Malaysia, with (50) new stores planned in Korea and (10) in Singapore in 2013.
Media Contact
Jeff Salzgeber – Snackbox
jeff@snackbox.us
512.743.2659
NEW ORLEANS, September 30, 2014 – Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the leading smoothie franchise company with 700 stores worldwide, has introduced two new Vegan Smoothies Powered by Sunwarrior. The new menu items are blended with 100 percent pure Sunwarrior raw plant-based protein and other nutritious ingredients like superfoods acai and kale and antioxidant-rich mango.
“Statistics show a growing interest in plant-based diets among all consumers, both vegan and non-vegan,” said Wan Kim, owner and CEO of Smoothie King. “By introducing these new menu options, we are catering to guests who seek plant-based protein in their diets. Our goal is to provide them with quick, easy and tasty ways to get the nutrition they crave on-the-go.”
“It used to be that vegan protein was only of interest to hardcore vegans and vegetarians,” said Jerry Burt, National Sales Manager of Sunwarrior.” Now we see a wider group of people – fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious parents, teens and baby boomers – who are incorporating plant-based meals into their daily lives. Replacing just one meal per day with a plant-based option can have long-lasting health benefits. The fact that these smoothies taste great makes it even better.”
Two Vegan Smoothies Naturally Powered by Sunwarrior have been added to the Smoothie King menu for this initial rollout:
- Mango Kale Smoothie: A flavorful blend of Sunwarrior Warrior Blend raw plant-based protein, mango juice blend, banana, kale, apple juice and almond, this antioxidant-rich smoothie is vegan wholesomeness at its finest.
- Dark Chocolate Banana Smoothie: 100 percent cocoa, bananas, acai and Sunwarrior Warrior Blend raw plant-based protein fill the cup to make this smoothie both delicious and nutritious.
Smoothie King’s New Vegan Smoothies Powered by Sunwarrior are all under 350 calories (20 oz. serving), have no saturated fats, aid in healthy digestion, are lactose-free, gluten-free, and are rich in Vitamin A and C. They provide up to 11g of muscle-building, fat-burning plant-based protein and are rich in antioxidants, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients. They can be consumed as both a healthy snack or meal replacement. To find out more about Vegan Smoothies or see the full menu of offerings from Smoothie King, visit SmoothieKing.com.
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114
NEW ORLEANS, September 23, 2014 – Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the leading smoothie franchise company with more than 700 stores worldwide, is experiencing serious growth in the St. Louis market with plans to continue expansion into 2015. Since 2012, the smoothie franchise has grown from three locations to 20 in 2014.
“Watching the number of stores in St. Louis skyrocket in the last few years has led us to a better understanding of our Midwestern customer. More than ever, St. Louisans are choosing healthier foods for their on-the-go lifestyles,” said Wan Kim, owner and CEO of Smoothie King. “By opening more stores in St. Louis, we are responding to a demand for more nutritious food at convenient locations.”
St. Louis has been a test market twice and many franchisees believe this honor has contributed to the excitement over the new stores in the region that offer products before they are available anywhere else. Local franchisees are also responding to demand for expansion based on the increase in guests choosing increasingly healthier meal options. Smoothie King expects to have at least six new store openings in St. Louis by the close of 2015 with several franchisees looking at multiple sites.
“We can really watch the anticipation for our expansion grow through social media,” said Jeremy Kubicek, St. Louis-based Franchisee of Smoothie King. “When we opened the store in Creve Coeur, Mo., our social media channels provided us with immediate positive feedback and reactions to the new location. St. Louisans have really helped to spread the word about Smoothie King and now we see larger groups of people asking for stores closer to them.”
As Smoothie King continues growth in St. Louis, the franchisees proudly focus on the widely popular school program which provides a foundation for healthy eating in many of St. Louis’ largest school districts. Smoothie King is also proud to announce that it is now an official sponsor of the St. Louis Rams. In honor of this partnership, Smoothie King will partner with James “The Gladiator” Laurinatitis, Linebacker for the St. Louis Rams, to promote the $5.55 Gladiator smoothie special that will be sold during the 2014 season.
To find out more about new stores opening in and around St. Louis, visit SmoothieKing.com.
Media Contact
Raymee Alper – Snackbox
rahmee@snackbox.us
314.479.8099
WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE:
Smoothie King
Cedar Park Town Center
909 E. Whitestone Blvd
Cedar Park, TX 78613
VISUAL:
Ribbon-cutting event will feature Hill Country area kids taking part in Smoothie King’s 700 Step Challenge
CEDAR PARK, TX — Smoothie King, the premier smoothie bar and nutritional lifestyle center in the industry, will unveil its 700th new store on Saturday morning, with a grand opening event at its new (and very first) Cedar Park location. Complimentary massages will be offered at the event.
Kids, 12 years and younger, are encouraged to participate in the “Smoothie King 700 Step Challenge,” which is designed to get youngsters to be more physically active, by taking 700 steps. Participants are given a “700 Step Challenge” card to track their progress during the week by doing things like drinking water, jumping rope and eating fruits and vegetables. Kids with completed cards can redeem them at any Smoothie King store for a free 12 oz smoothie. The most creative kid will earn the ultimate bragging rights (upon winning) of being crowned Smoothie King or Smoothie Queen and will receive special recognition through an award and free gifts.
With its store opening and challenge, Smoothie King hopes to entice Cedar Park residents to adopt healthier lifestyles by incorporating more fitness into their daily routines, and adding smoothies and healthy snacks to their diets.
Under its accelerated expansion plan, Smoothie King plans to open more than 1,000 stores across the United States over the next 3 years. The Metairie, La.-based company, which currently operates 700 units, reports it has extensive franchise opportunities available in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, as well as Texas. International development includes master franchise and corporate expansion in Korea, Singapore and Malaysia, with (50) new stores planned in Korea and (10) in Singapore in 2013.
Media Contact
Jeff Salzgeber – Snackbox
jeff@snackbox.us
512.743.2659
NEW ORLEANS, August 7, 2014 – Smoothie King Franchises, Inc. is pleased to announce that Richard A. Peabody, has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over 25 years of experience working in the restaurant and franchise industry, Peabody will be responsible for managing and guiding the financial decisions of the rapidly growing company.
Prior to joining Smoothie King, Peabody worked for IFCB Holding Corporation as Senior Vice President and CFO for the Corner Bakery Café and Il Fornaio brands. He has also held leadership positions with Taco Bueno Restaurants, L.P., Romacorp, Inc., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., and Black-Eyed Pea Management Corp.
“The experience Richard has accumulated over his career is invaluable,” said Wan Kim, owner and CEO of Smoothie King. “We are glad to have him come on board at such an exciting time for our company, as we continue to grow nationally and internationally at a rapid pace.”
Peabody graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, with a Master’s Degree in Taxation and Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and is a certified public accountant.
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114
WHAT:
More than 100 Smoothie King team members and franchisees will be gathering in City Park the morning of Thursday, July 31st to give back to the community. The group will take part in a community service project that involves beautifying Courtier Forest and Tad Gormley Stadium. The initiative will include landscaping and painting.
WHO:
Smoothie King, an international smoothie franchise based in New Orleans
WHERE:
City Park
Site 1: Tad Gormley Stadium – 5400 Stadium Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 (Will be working behind the stadium off of Marconi Dr.)
Site 2: Courtier Forest – 1009 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, 70124 (Work site is just down the road off Harrison)
WHEN:
8 AM – 12 PM
VISUALS/INTERVIEW OPPS:
- Interview with Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim (on site at Tad Gormley Stadium)
- Visual of 100+ Smoothie King team members gardening/painting in the community
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114
NEW ORLEANS, August 5, 2014 – Nearly 1,000 Smoothie King corporate team members, partner vendors and franchisees from all over the globe gathered in New Orleans this past weekend to discuss future plans for the leading smoothie franchise company. During this conference, sales statistics and new developments were shared, all of which support continued exponential growth of the company.
Among these announcements:
- Q1 & Q2 Sales Growth. Same-store sales statistics were presented, showing significant growth during the first half of 2014 compared to the same timeframe last year. Same-store sales jumped 7.16 percent in the first quarter compared to last year and increased to an even stronger 9.79 percent in the second quarter of 2014.
- Corporate CFO Welcomed. Smoothie King welcomed Richard Peabody as CFO of the company. Peabody’s experience includes more than 25 years of strategic planning, franchise management, real estate site selection, budget forecasting, and technology oversight. Prior to joining Smoothie King, Peabody worked for IFCB Holding Corporation as Senior Vice President and CFO for the Corner Bakery Café and Il Fornaio brands. He has also held leadership positions with Taco Bueno Restaurants, L.P., Romacorp, Inc., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc./Rally’s Hamburgers, Inc., and Black-Eyed Pea Management Corp.
- New Smoothie King Van Revealed. With a special appearance by Aaron Kaufmann of Gas Monkey Garage, Smoothie King revealed a brand new design for the interactive company van, which will be touring the United States beginning this fall. The design was a collaborative effort between 360 Wraps, Gas Monkey Garage and Smoothie King.
“This year’s conference broke attendance record books. More than 50% more franchisees attended, learning important brand information and participating in valuable break outs designed to help their business grow,” said Wan Kim, owner and CEO of Smoothie King. “There was a great energy and excitement surrounding this conference, as Smoothie King continues to grow and evolve focused on smoothies with a purpose.”
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114
NEW ORLEANS, June 18, 2014 – Smoothie King Franchises, Inc. has introduced three new Greek Yogurt Smoothies to its menu. Greek yogurt’s protein, probiotic and calcium attributes, paired with Smoothie King’s real fruit, vegetables, juice blends and fiber, work together to create a meal replacement any time of the day.
“We found Greek yogurt to be a perfect addition to the purposeful, high-quality and delicious smoothies we offer to people all over the world,” said Wan Kim, owner and CEO of Smoothie King. “By incorporating these new smoothies on our menu, we are making a statement that Greek yogurt is not just a trend, but part of a healthier day-to-day lifestyle. Our goal is to help guests balance their weight management goals without sacrificing flavor.”
Three Greek Yogurt Smoothies, which are naturally powered by Chobani® Greek Yogurt, have been added to the Smoothie King menu for this initial rollout:
- Blueberry Strawberry: A customer favorite, this Greek yogurt smoothie is rich in protein with 12g per small (20oz) and tastes like a “berry explosion” in your mouth.
- Pineapple Mango: Blended with Greek yogurt, 4g of fiber, 11g of protein and electrolytes, this smoothie tastes like a “tropical citrus burst.”
- Carrot Orange: A perfect blend of veggies and fruits, this Greek yogurt smoothie features an untraditional pairing with extraordinary taste.
With the built-in protein Greek yogurt provides, these menu items can be consumed as either a wholesome snack or a meal replacement. The new smoothies have up to 12 g of protein, 4 g of fiber and are all less than 350 calories. All three smoothies ranked very highly among guests in test markets.
To find out more about Greek Yogurt Smoothies or see the full menu of offerings from Smoothie King, visit SmoothieKing.com. Smoothie King is actively recruiting franchise candidates. To learn more about the benefits of owning a Smoothie King, or for more information and to register for a Discovery Day, please visit www.smoothiekingfranchise.com or contact Natalie Johnson at natalie.johnson@smoothieking.com or (985) 635-6984.
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114
Entrepreneur magazine has been the voice of franchising, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the trends, companies, leaders and franchisees who have made this industry a force to be reckoned with. (http://www.entrepreneur.com/)
Smoothie King has ranked #1 in its category for 20 years, and is ranked #86 overall in the top 500 franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Rankings in Entrepreneur magazine 2000-2014
Ranked #1 in Category in:
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
Franchise 500® rank:
- #86 (2014)
- #104 (2013)
- #122 (2012)
- #70 (2011)
- #80 (2010)
- #67 (2009)
- #109 (2008)
- #91 (2007)
- #108 (2006)
- #125 (2004)
- #275 (2003)
- #243 (2002)
- #194 (2001)
- #164 (2000)
Fastest-Growing Franchises:
- #87 (2010)
- #37 (2009)
- #93 (2003)
- #83 (2002)
- #67 (2000)
Top Global Franchises:
- #100 (2012)
- #60 (2011)
- #67 (2010)
- #57 (2009)
- #99 (2008)
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114
NEW ORLEANS, (May 29, 2014) – Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the premier smoothie and nutritional lifestyle center, has launched two new Kids Cup Smoothies: “Apple Kiwi Bunga” and “Strawberry Bluegurt Blitz.” The new Kids Cup Smoothies, which feature vegetables and Greek yogurt, are now available at Smoothie King locations worldwide.
The smoothies were named by 4th graders at Eastside Elementary School in Denham Springs, Louisiana (near Baton Rouge). The students were challenged to come up with “cool” names for two of Smoothie King’s newest menu items: Apple Kiwi Kale smoothie and Strawberry Blueberry Greek Yogurt smoothie. The winning students were surprised with a smoothie party in their classroom and a $150 gift card to Smoothie King.
“We were excited to engage the students in helping such a big brand come up with new names for their products,” said Eastside Elementary School Principal Kelly LaBauve. “The bonus was that the kids actually loved the new smoothies. They had no problem tapping into their creative sides after tasting the Kids Cups.”
“Our Kids Cup Smoothies allow parents to give their children a healthy alternative to fast food when looking for an on-the-go snack,” says Wan Kim, owner and CEO of Smoothie King. “Apple Kiwi Bunga provides kids with a delicious way to eat kale and Strawberry Bluegurt Blitz offers 30 percent more calcium than regular yogurt.”
- Apple Kiwi Bunga: Blended with superfood kale, apple juice, kiwi juice blend and bananas, this smoothie results in a Granny Smith apple taste that is loaded with fiber, iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, antioxidants and organosulfur compounds. This smoothie is identical to the menu’s Apple Kiwi Kale smoothie for adults (but has a much more kid-friendly name).
- Strawberry Bluegurt Blitz: A customer favorite, this Greek yogurt smoothie is low in calories, is rich in protein and antioxidants and tastes like a “berry explosion” in your mouth. This smoothie is the same as Smoothie King’s Strawberry Blueberry Greek Yogurt smoothie, but features a name that is sure to entice the little ones.
Media Contact
Susanna Kalnes – Snackbox
susanna@snackbox.us
708.494.1114