Red Mango: Blending Health and Flavor in Frozen Treats

Red Mango is a U.S.-based frozen yogurt and smoothie franchise known for its commitment to health-conscious offerings and premium ingredients. Founded in 2006 by Korean-American entrepreneur Daniel J. Kim, the brand opened its first U.S. location in 2007 near UCLA in Los Angeles.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Red Mango began franchising in July 2007 and has since expanded to over 100 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, with additional international presence in countries like Qatar and El Salvador.

The franchise specializes in all-natural, nonfat frozen yogurt fortified with live and active probiotic cultures, certified gluten-free and kosher. Beyond frozen yogurt, Red Mango's menu includes fresh fruit smoothies, cold-squeezed juices, yogurt parfaits, and light café items such as wraps and salads. The brand’s name reflects its dedication to quality, inspired by the idea that a mango turns red when it reaches peak ripeness.

Red Mango differentiates itself in the competitive frozen dessert market through its emphasis on health and wellness. It was the first frozen yogurt chain to receive the National Yogurt Association's Live & Active Cultures seal, underscoring its commitment to authentic, probiotic-rich products. The franchise’s modern store designs and strategic locations near college campuses have helped it appeal to a younger, health-conscious demographic.

Training

Red Mango provides a comprehensive training program designed to prepare franchisees for successful store operations. Here’s a summary of the franchisor’s training programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   Red Mango offers a six-day initial training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on in-store training. This program covers key areas like operations, technology, supply chain, finance, marketing, food safety, product preparation, POS system use, guest service management, and performance management.
2. On-Site and Additional Training
   Franchisees receive in-store training focused on daily procedures such as opening and closing, food safety, and equipment use, led by experienced Franchise Support Directors. If additional personnel attend initial training beyond the first two trainees, an extra fee applies, and Red Mango may also provide on-site assistance if scheduled, with cancellation fees for late changes.
3. Ongoing and Refresher Training
   Franchisees and their key staff are required to attend additional training courses, seminars, or programs as reasonably required by Red Mango. The franchisor may charge reasonable tuition fees for these sessions, and the franchisee is responsible for related travel, lodging, and wage expenses.

Territory Protection

Red Mango offers limited territory protection to franchisees through a Protected Area defined by a radius or mapped zone, but this excludes malls, airports, and other “Closed Markets.” The franchisor can still sell products through grocery stores, online channels, and third-party delivery services, even within the Protected Area. Franchisees should also expect that delivery zones may overlap, which is not considered a violation.

Under a Store Development Agreement, franchisees get rights to open multiple stores in a defined area, but Red Mango retains the right to operate or license stores outside that area. The franchisor can also continue operating or licensing acquired businesses within the Protected Area. Overall, while some protection exists, Red Mango reserves broad competitive rights.