Established
1975
Franchise Units
46
Minimum Investment
$284,500
Franchise Fee
$22,000
Total Investment Range
$434,000
Home Based
No
Description
Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt is a vibrant franchise brand that has been delighting customers with its fresh, real-fruit smoothies and creamy frozen yogurt since 1979. With a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, Bananas has become a go-to destination for health-conscious consumers and dessert enthusiasts alike. The brand's dedication to providing a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional customer service has earned it a loyal following across the United States.
Positioned at the intersection of health and indulgence, Bananas offers a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. This versatility allows franchisees to tap into a broad customer base, from fitness enthusiasts seeking post-workout nutrition to families looking for a sweet treat. The brand's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and its innovative approach to flavor have set it apart in the competitive frozen dessert market.
Background
Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt is a quick-serve, frozen-treat franchise concept offering a diverse menu that includes its proprietary Everything Yogurt frozen yogurt, branded smoothies and frosties, and hand-rolled pretzels from the Gretel Pretzel brand. The menu also extends to premium flavored coffees, espresso, cappuccino, muffins, ice cream, nuts, candies, bagels, cookies, cakes, flavored popcorn, and even branded apparel and gifts.
Backed by more than 45 years of experience in restaurant development and operations, Villa Enterprises now oversees 300+ locations worldwide across its four brands. The company actively recruits franchisees for Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt and its other concepts, offering robust support that includes Villa University, a three-week training program at their facility covering all aspects of operating a Villa Enterprises restaurant.
Franchise History
The brand began in 1979 as Everything Yogurt and has since grown into a national chain with locations across several U.S. states, including California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C..
Villa Enterprises was founded in 1964 by Michele Scotto, who launched Villa Pizza next to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York. From that single store, the company expanded to more than 300 locations across 38 U.S. states and six other countries. The company has also acquired several upscale full-service restaurants, including the The Black Horse Inn & Pub.
Year Established: 1975
Year First Franchised: 2003
Franchised Units: 46
Company-Owned Units: 7
States/Countries Registered: All of United States
Support Training
Bananas offers comprehensive support to its franchisees to ensure their success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and store design to create an optimal retail environment.
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Training: Franchisees undergo a three-week training program at Villa University, covering all aspects of running a Bananas restaurant, including operations, customer service, inventory management, and financial controls.
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Marketing Support: Ongoing marketing assistance, including national and local advertising campaigns, promotional materials, and social media strategies to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
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Operational Support: Continuous operational guidance, including regular visits from field representatives, to ensure adherence to brand standards and optimize performance.
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Technology and Systems: Access to proprietary point-of-sale systems, inventory management tools, and other technologies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Ideal Candidate
Bananas is looking for hands-on entrepreneurs who are as passionate about the product as they are about the bottom line.
Business Background: Prior experience in retail, hospitality, or management is preferred but not mandatory.
The "Owner-Operator" Mindset: While multi-unit deals are available, the ideal candidate is someone who will be deeply involved in the daily culture of the store.
Community Focused: An individual who enjoys interacting with people and building a loyal local customer base.
Financial Readiness: Candidates must meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements to ensure the business is well-capitalized through the break-even period.
Location Preference: Investors targeting high-density foot traffic areas like premium outlet malls, transit hubs, and university-adjacent retail.
Financial Detail
How Much Does It Cost to Own This Franchise?
Financial Details – 2026
Initial Franchise Fee: $22,000
Total Investment: $284,500 – $434,000
Minimum Net Worth: $300,000
Minimum Liquid Assets: $75,000
Passive Ownership Allowed: No
Royalty Fee: 5%