1983
53
$225,000
$22,000
$457,000
No
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.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Proven Business Model: With over 40 years in the industry, Bananas has refined its operations and developed a scalable business model that has led to the opening of numerous franchise locations across the United States.
Strong Brand Recognition: The Bananas brand is synonymous with quality and innovation, attracting a loyal customer base and benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and repeat business.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including assistance with site selection, store design, marketing strategies, and operational procedures, ensuring a smooth and successful launch and continued growth.
Health-Conscious Menu: The growing consumer demand for healthier dining options positions Bananas to capitalize on the trend towards nutritious and indulgent treats.
Flexible Investment Options: The franchise offers various store formats and investment levels, allowing potential franchisees to choose an option that aligns with their financial goals and market conditions.
1. Established Year:
Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt was founded in 1979 in New York City. It started as a single location focused on delivering fresh fruit smoothies and frozen yogurt to a health-conscious clientele.
2. Founders:
The brand was launched by an entrepreneurial team passionate about offering fresh, high-quality, fruit-based beverages and desserts. They recognized the emerging market trend for healthier alternatives to traditional desserts and sought to fill that niche.
3. Franchise History:
Franchising opportunities for Bananas were introduced in 1983, allowing the brand to expand across the United States. Since then, it has steadily grown into a well-recognized name in the frozen dessert and smoothie industry.
4. Franchise Units:
As of 2025, Bananas operates 53 locations in the USA, including 46 franchised units and 7 company-owned stores. These units are spread across high-traffic urban and suburban areas, emphasizing visibility and accessibility.
5. Ownership & Corporate Structure:
Bananas is part of Villa Enterprises, a parent company with over 45 years of experience in the restaurant and franchise business. Villa Enterprises manages multiple brands, with a combined global presence of over 300 locations. This ownership provides franchisees with stability, experienced leadership, and strategic guidance.
6. Market Presence in the USA:
Bananas has a strong and growing presence in the U.S., with stores in multiple states. Its focus on quality products, family-friendly ambiance, and innovative menu offerings has helped it maintain consistent popularity in the competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment.
7. Industry Category:
Bananas falls under the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, specializing in smoothies, frozen yogurt, juices, and health-oriented snacks. This category benefits from trends in health-conscious eating, convenience, and dessert indulgence.
8. Brand Journey & Reputation:
Over the decades, Bananas has built a reputation for freshness, quality, and innovation. From its humble beginnings in NYC, the brand has expanded nationally, consistently updating its menu to include vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. It has become a trusted and recognizable brand for families, fitness enthusiasts, and young consumers.
9. Unique Selling Points (USP):
Fresh, real fruit ingredients
Customizable menu options
Family-friendly and vibrant store environment
Health-conscious dessert alternatives
10. Industry Recognition:
Bananas is recognized in franchise directories like IFPG (International Franchise Professionals Group) and Franchise Chatter for its strong support system and profitable business model.
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.
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.
Marketing Support: Ongoing marketing assistance, including national and local advertising campaigns, promotional materials, and social media strategies to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
Operational Support: Continuous operational guidance, including regular visits from field representatives, to ensure adherence to brand standards and optimize performance.
Technology and Systems: Access to proprietary point-of-sale systems, inventory management tools, and other technologies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt seeks franchisees who are entrepreneurial, motivated, and customer-focused. The ideal investor will possess a combination of business skills, passion for food and beverages, and the financial capacity to operate a successful franchise. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
The ideal franchisee is someone with a strong business mindset, eager to manage and grow a retail food business.
They are proactive problem-solvers, capable of handling operational challenges and making strategic decisions to maximize profits.
2. Customer-Oriented:
Since Bananas thrives on a family-friendly, high-quality experience, franchisees must be committed to excellent customer service.
They should value building relationships with the community, ensuring repeat business and long-term brand loyalty.
3. Financial Capability:
Prospective franchisees should have the financial resources to invest in the franchise, including covering the franchise fee, infrastructure costs, marketing budget, and working capital.
They should also be capable of managing cash flow, operating expenses, and planning for growth.
4. Passion for Health & Food:
A genuine interest in health-conscious foods and beverages is essential, as the brand focuses on smoothies, frozen yogurt, and fresh fruit options.
Franchisees should be willing to stay updated with industry trends and innovate menu offerings in line with consumer preferences.
5. Team Leadership & Management Skills:
The ability to hire, train, and lead a motivated team is critical for ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
Strong communication and management skills are necessary to maintain brand standards and operational efficiency.
6. Location Preference:
Ideal franchisees prefer high-traffic areas, such as shopping centers, malls, near gyms, or in community hubs.
They should understand local market dynamics and be able to adapt marketing strategies to attract the target customer base.
7. Long-Term Commitment:
Bananas looks for investors willing to commit for the long term, treating the franchise as a sustainable business opportunity rather than a short-term investment.
8. Cultural Fit & Brand Alignment:
Franchisees should embrace Bananas’ core values, such as freshness, quality, fun, and innovation.
They must be passionate about delivering a positive experience for every customer and upholding the brand’s reputation.
| Category | Details / Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $225,000 – $457,000 | Includes infrastructure, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital |
| Franchise Fee | $22,000 – $25,000 | One-time fee for joining the franchise system |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales | Ongoing fee for brand use and operational support |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales | National and local advertising support |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | $644,000 annually | Average revenue per location based on historical data |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $150,000 – $300,000 | Includes store design, equipment, furniture, signage |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 – $10,000 | First stock of ingredients and supplies |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $20,000 | Operational cash reserves for initial months |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% | Typical return on investment depending on location and management efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | 6 months – 2 years | Time to recover initial investment |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Smoothies, frozen yogurt, protein shakes, juices, acai bowls | Offers diversified income sources beyond primary menu items |
| Franchise Units (USA) | 53 total (46 franchised + 7 company-owned) | Opportunities exist for new territories in various states |
