Smoothie King Overview
Smoothie King was founded in 1973 in New Orleans by Steve Kuhnau. After finding a passion for healthy eating and mixing fruits and vegetables, Kuhnau started Smoothie King. By 1989, it opened its first franchise location.
Smoothie King Franchise Information
The estimated initial investment for a typical Smoothie King location can be between $311,601–$638,465. To buy a Smoothie King franchise you’ll need at least $100,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $300,000. Franchisees can expect to invest $269,550 – $845,985.
Smoothie King’s Success and Expansion
In 2012, a South Korean franchisee bought Smoothie King. Wan Kim serves as CEO, Chairman, and President of Smoothie King. He led the company’s nationwide expansion. Under his leadership, Smoothie King has become a much-loved brand, focusing on innovation, customer experience, and franchise opportunity.
Smoothie King Ownership
Smoothie King Franchises Inc. is an American privately held smoothie company founded in 1973. In 2012, a South Korean franchisee bought Smoothie King. The company started focusing on whole and unmodified ingredients. Under CEO, Chairman, and President Wan Kim’s leadership, Smoothie King expanded nationwide. The company is focusing on innovation, customer experience, and franchise opportunity.
Smoothie King Recognition and Growth
Smoothie King has been the #1 Juice Bar Franchise on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list since 2020. The ranking is based on financial strength, growth rate, and system size. Smoothie King aims to open 100+ new locations in the next year. It currently has over 1,300 stores.
Food and Beverage Industry Impact
The Food and Beverage industry in the USA accounts for 13% of manufacturing employment. Around 1.46 million people work in this industry. Franchising allows investing into a proven system, like Smoothie King. It has brand recognition and ongoing corporate support.