Here are the questions we frequently hear about our franchise opportunity
General Business Information
When was Tropical Smoothie Cafe founded?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe was founded in 1997, and we opened our first franchise location in Tallahassee, FL, in 1998.
How many Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations are there?
We have over 1,750+ locations across the United States.
What are Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s typical operating hours?
Our cafes are open 7 days a week and we have required operating hours. Monday – Friday 7am – 9pm. Saturday and Sunday 8am – 9pm.
Operations
Is Tropical Smoothie Cafe easier to operate than other restaurant concepts?
Yes, the franchise model and the support we provide to our franchise operators make running a business easier than ever! We handle the menu innovation and provide marketing support to drive traffic and sales to your Cafe. We have also made operations easy for you by removing hard-to-use equipment, like deep fryers and hooding systems, so that you can focus on fresh food, freshly prepared daily.
How many employees does a Tropical Smoothie Cafe typically need?
Cafes usually employ 15-20 part-time employees.
How much square footage is required for a Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
Typically, we look for between 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. We also have flexible layouts for non-traditional venues.
Does Tropical Smoothie Cafe help with site selection?
Yes. We have an in-house Real Estate Team and a network of local brokers that will assist you in performing a real estate site search.
Costs & Fees
What is the total investment required to open a Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
A new Cafe investment is between $275,500 – $770,500. The average cost is approximately $514,000, costs vary by location.
What is the franchise fee?
The franchise fee is $35,000 for the first cafe. If you choose to develop multiple cafes, a $25,000 franchise fee must be paid for the second and each additional unit. The franchise fee for qualified veterans is $17,500 for the first and each subsequent unit developed.
What are the ongoing royalty and marketing fees?
There is a 6% Royalty Fee, as well as a 5-6% National Marketing Fee. Fees are per Cafe and based on gross sales.
How long is the franchise agreement?
Franchise Agreements last for 15 years. If you are in good standing and satisfy certain conditions, you may renew, with no additional fees, for one additional 10-year term.
Training & Support
What training does Tropical Smoothie Cafe provide?
Our training prepares you to succeed. We provide the following training:
- Basic training – consists of two weeks in a nearby Cafe
- Leadership Training – virtual sessions hosted by our Support Center team
- Opening Support – 10 days onsite support provided by our Operations Support team