1973
1950
$150,000
$30,000
$1,184,865
No
Smoothie King is the leading smoothie brand in the United States, offering guests a wide range of purpose-driven smoothies made with real fruits, organic vegetables, and high-quality proteins. As a franchisee, you’ll join a mission-driven brand focused on health and wellness, with a proven business model and strong brand recognition.
Looking to invest in a proven, health-focused business? The Smoothie King franchise is one of the most recognized and trusted names in the wellness and beverage industry. With a strong brand presence, high customer loyalty, and over 50 years of experience, Smoothie King offers a franchise opportunity that combines profit potential with purpose.
Founded in 1973, Smoothie King pioneered the smoothie segment and has grown into a global franchise with over 1,300 locations. The brand’s mission to inspire healthier lifestyles through nutrient-rich smoothies aligns perfectly with today’s health-conscious consumer trends.
Investing in a Smoothie King franchise offers an opportunity to join a premium health-focused brand with proven business success. Here’s why:
✅ Fast-Growing Health Segment: With rising demand for clean, nutritious, and functional food options, smoothies have become a staple among health-conscious Americans.
✅ Strong Brand Recognition: With over 50 years of trust and loyalty, Smoothie King is a top-of-mind choice in the wellness drink category.
✅ High-Profit Margins: Low food and labor costs lead to an attractive ROI and operational efficiency.
✅ Multiple Formats: Options include drive-thru, non-traditional venues (gyms, universities, airports), and inline stores.
✅ Sustainability & Wellness-Driven Menu: Real fruit, organic options, no artificial colors or preservatives—ideal for today's conscious consumers.
✅ Scalability: Perfect for single or multi-unit franchise ownership.
Smoothie King, founded by Steve and Cindy Kuhnau in Kenner, Louisiana, began as a small smoothie shop offering nutritious beverages designed to support a healthier lifestyle. The brand quickly gained popularity due to its commitment to real ingredients, functional nutrition, and customer wellness. In 2012, Smoothie King was acquired by Wan Kim, a passionate franchisee from South Korea who expanded the brand's global footprint.
Today, Smoothie King operates over 1,300+ locations across the USA and internationally, making it a global leader in the health and wellness QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry. While it does not yet have a major footprint in India, the brand's concept aligns perfectly with global trends around fitness, organic food, and preventive health.
Smoothie King offers one of the most comprehensive franchise support systems in the QSR industry:
✅ Franchise Onboarding & Orientation
✅ Site Selection & Lease Negotiation Assistance
✅ Store Design & Setup Guidance
✅ Staff Recruitment & Operations Training
✅ Marketing & Grand Opening Campaigns
✅ In-House Technology Platform Support
✅ Ongoing Field Operations & Business Coaching
This end-to-end support ensures franchisees can focus on growth and customer experience.
Smoothie King is looking for franchise partners who are:
✔️ Passionate about health, nutrition, and active lifestyles
✔️ Entrepreneurial mindset with prior business or retail experience (not mandatory)
✔️ Committed to brand standards and customer service excellence
✔️ Capable of investing and managing one or multiple outlets
✔️ Preferably located in or near urban, suburban, or high-footfall areas
✔️ Team-oriented and ready to engage with local communities
Whether you’re a first-time business owner or a multi-unit operator, Smoothie King’s model offers flexibility, stability, and growth.
Total Investment Range: $320,301 – $1,184,865 (depending on location and store format)
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 3% of gross sales
Franchise Units (as of 2024): Over 1,350 locations in the U.S.
Established Year: 1973