Bananas: Blending Flavor and Freshness in Smoothie and Yogurt Delights

Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt has built a reputation as a go-to destination for refreshing, fruit-filled smoothies and rich frozen yogurt creations. Established in 1979 in New York City, the brand quickly gained local popularity before expanding its reach through franchising, which began in 1983.

Now headquartered in the heart of New York, Bananas continues to draw inspiration from its urban origins, offering a product line that reflects both health-focused trends and classic dessert indulgence. The franchise invites entrepreneurs across the U.S. to share in its success by bringing its signature treats to their own communities.

What sets Bananas apart is its dedication to using premium ingredients and crafting bold, creative flavors. With a diverse menu of smoothies, frozen yogurts, and specialty items, the brand appeals to a wide range of customers—from those seeking a nutritious snack to those craving a satisfying sweet escape.

Training

Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt provides a robust training program to prepare franchisees and their managers for successful restaurant operation. The training is mandatory, structured, and includes both classroom and on-the-job components.

1. Initial Training Program
   This consists of two 50-60 hour six-day work weeks, typically beginning 5-6 weeks prior to the restaurant’s opening. The training includes detailed instruction on food and inventory purchases, food and beverage preparation, equipment operation, employee and customer relations, and merchandising and management. Training is held at a designated corporate facility and is required for the franchisee (or principal owner) and their full-time restaurant manager.
2. Instructional Materials and Evaluation
   Participants use a study guide, product manual, and the Confidential Operations & Training Manual, and are assessed through quizzes and evaluations. Competency must be demonstrated to Franchisor’s satisfaction, and additional training may be required if standards are not met. No fee is charged for the training itself, but franchisees are responsible for travel, lodging, meals, and wages.
3. Ongoing and Additional Training
   Franchisees and their managers must also attend follow-up training, sales meetings, and conventions as directed by the Franchisor. Moreover, franchisees are responsible for implementing employee training programs aligned with Franchisor’s standards, including participation in the iLEARN Center if mandated. Franchisor reserves the right to impose fees for these additional sessions.

Territory Protection

Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees in most cases. Franchisees are typically granted the right to operate one restaurant at a specific approved location, and may receive a “protected area” that is a radius of one-tenth of a mile from the front door of the restaurant or confined to the boundaries of a regional shopping mall.

However, the franchisor explicitly states that franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels, even within this protected area.

Moreover, the franchisor retains broad rights to operate or franchise restaurants under different trademarks and concepts both inside and outside the franchisee’s protected area.