Tropical Smoothie Cafe continued its momentum from 2021 into the first quarter of 2022, signing 56 new franchise agreements and opening 42 new franchise cafes, including its first location at the airport.
The first quarter was one of the brand’s best quarters for new openings. One of these openings, at the new Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, in partnership with award-winning airport concessionaire Paradies Lagardère, marks the brand’s expansion into the airport space.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have opened our very first Tropical Smoothie Cafe restaurant at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City,” said Claude Guillaume, Senior Vice President of Operations for Paradies Lagardère’s Food & Beverage Division. “With its diverse menu of options and flavors to suit all day and traveler preferences, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be an exciting addition to the airport’s overall concessions program and a successful complement to the new line of restaurants we have recently introduced.”
At its annual franchise convention, Tropical Smoothie Cafe announced No Kid Hungry as the brand’s new national charity partner. The non-profit organization, which helps nearly 12 million hungry children in the United States, aligns with the brand’s goal, Inspire BetterTM. Through this partnership, Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations across the country will host year-round fundraisers to support children in need.
“At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, we want to be the brand that brings nurturing, nourishing sunshine to kids who need it,” adds Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Café, LLC. “With our No Kid Hungry partnership, we will be able to bring together all of our franchisees across the country to work towards our common goal of ending child hunger.”
The first quarter of 2022 also saw the successful launch of a limited-time chocolate-covered strawberry smoothie that celebrated Valentine’s Day, February 2-20. The smoothie was only available through the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app and online channels. The launch is part of the brand’s strategy to leverage digital channels to create fun, on-trend offers that reward the brand’s most knowledgeable and loyal customers.
The brand expanded its new store opening pipeline in the first quarter, signing 56 new franchise agreements. Over 70% of transactions are with existing Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees, demonstrating their success and commitment to the brand.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees also received top franchise community awards during the first quarter. Salem Najjar, who currently owns and operates 14 Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations across the Midwest with nearly 20 in the works, has been named Franchise of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). The award recognizes outstanding franchisees who exemplify excellence in community, workforce and diversity.
Additionally, Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine recognized two Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise groups in its 2022 MVP awards. Toya Evans, who owns and operates four Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Maryland with another cafe in development, received the award. Spirit of Franchising. Roma and Suresh Patel received the MVP Influencer Award for Husband and Wife Team. The Patels opened their first Tropical Smoothie Cafe restaurant in 2015 in Ohio and now owns 13 cafes throughout Ohio.
The news and information presented in this press release have not been corroborated by RSQFood News Media or Journalistic, Inc.
