Established
1988
Franchise Units
85
Minimum Investment
$180,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Surf City Squeeze is a well-established, California-born smoothie and juice brand that has built a strong reputation in the fast-growing health and wellness food segment. Known for its vibrant branding, real fruit smoothies, and better-for-you menu offerings, the brand blends relaxed surf culture with a modern, convenience-focused quick-service restaurant model.
Positioned at the intersection of indulgent flavor and functional wellness, Surf City Squeeze appeals to a broad customer base that includes students, families, fitness enthusiasts, mall shoppers, and busy professionals. Its adaptable footprint options—ranging from inline stores to mall kiosks, airports, and other non-traditional venues—make it a flexible and scalable franchise opportunity.
As consumer demand for healthy beverages, fresh ingredients, and on-the-go food solutions continues to rise, Surf City Squeeze remains well-aligned with long-term market trends. The brand’s colorful identity, simplified operations, and established systems make it a competitive player in the U.S. smoothie and juice franchise space.
Background
Surf City Squeeze was founded in 1988 in Southern California, inspired by surf culture and the growing popularity of fresh fruit smoothies. The brand quickly gained attention for its colorful stores, tropical atmosphere, and commitment to using quality ingredients.
Over time, Surf City Squeeze expanded across the United States through franchising, establishing locations in shopping malls, tourist destinations, airports, and college campuses. The brand has evolved under different ownership groups, allowing it to refine its systems, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen franchise support.
Today, Surf City Squeeze operates 85+ active franchise units across the USA and continues to pursue strategic growth in both traditional and non-traditional locations. The franchise operates within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and Smoothie & Juice industry category.
Support Training
Surf City Squeeze provides comprehensive franchise support designed to help owners launch, operate, and grow their businesses with confidence.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, store layout, equipment requirements, and vendor coordination. The corporate team assists with location evaluation to ensure strong alignment with traffic patterns and target demographics.
Training Programs
Initial training covers smoothie preparation, food safety standards, inventory management, POS systems, customer service, and daily operations. Training is structured for both owners and managers, making it suitable for hands-on operators as well as semi-absentee investors.
Operational Support
Ongoing operational assistance includes standardized operating procedures, product updates, quality assurance, and performance benchmarks. These systems help franchisees maintain consistency while managing costs effectively.
Marketing & Brand Support
Franchisees benefit from national brand marketing initiatives, seasonal promotions, and professionally designed marketing materials. Local marketing guidance helps drive awareness and repeat business within each trade area.
Ongoing Assistance
After opening, franchisees continue to receive support related to operations, new product launches, technology updates, and multi-unit expansion planning.
Ideal Candidate
The Surf City Squeeze franchise is well-suited for motivated entrepreneurs and investors who value structure, brand consistency, and customer experience.
Ideal candidates include:
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First-time franchise owners seeking a proven and manageable concept
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Multi-unit operators looking to expand into the health and wellness beverage segment
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Semi-absentee investors planning to hire and manage a store-level team
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Business owners interested in high-traffic, non-traditional locations
While prior food service experience is not required, successful franchisees typically demonstrate strong business acumen, leadership skills, and a willingness to follow established systems. A passion for healthy living and community engagement is also a strong fit.
Financial Detail
| Financial Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry Category | Smoothie & Juice / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) |
| Franchise Model | Single-unit and multi-unit franchising |
| Total Investment Range | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | Approx. $100,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | Typically $300,000+ (recommended) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | Approx. $30,000 |
| Store Formats | Inline store, mall kiosk, non-traditional locations |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost | $90,000 – $200,000 (varies by format & location) |
| Equipment & Signage | Included within total investment range |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing percentage of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | Ongoing contribution as required |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Estimated ROI Potential | Location and operator dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Smoothies, juices, wellness beverages, add-ons, catering (select locations) |
| Expansion Potential | High, especially in malls, airports, colleges, and fitness-driven markets |
