#122
At a Glance
Products & Services: Smoothies & health products
Number of Locations: 615
Total Investment: $139.9K - 322K
Founded: 1987
Began Franchising: 1988
Private Owned
About Smoothie King
When visits to various doctors did little to relieve the allergies Steve Kuhnau was suffering from, the nurse began reading up on nutrition, hoping a change in diet would help his symptoms. Once he began eating fresh foods and cutting fat out of his diet, Kuhnau started feeling better. His next task was to find a way to tackle the midday fatigue caused by hypoglycemia.Using his nursing expertise and the drink mixing experience he gained as a soda jerk in high school, Kuhnau began experimenting with high protein drinks. The resulting product combined fresh fruits, vitamins and other supplements and inspired the creation of Kuhnau's company, Smoothie King.
Each Smoothie King store sells smoothies and a variety of vitamins, minerals, low fat snacks and nutritional supplements.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 530 | 0 | 84 | 1 |
| 2010 | 549 | 0 | 62 | 1 |
| 2009 | 554 | 0 | 56 | 1 |
| 2008 | 530 | 0 | 33 | 1 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $139,900 - $322,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $150,000
Liquid Cash Available: $75,000
Operations
60% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 9. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 1 day. At franchisee's location: 1 week. Managment training at corporate store : 14 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media,