Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Fast-casual restaurant franchise serving smoothies, wraps, and sandwiches with a tropical twist, offering fresh and flavorful menu options.

Based in Destin, Florida, Tropical Smoothie Café is a prominent American restaurant chain known for its focus on providing healthier fast food alternatives.

Established in 1997 by Eric Jenrich, Delora Jenrich, and David Walker, Tropical Smoothie Café has grown into a leading lifestyle brand, catering to customers seeking nutritious and delicious meal options.

The menu features a wide array of smoothies, sandwiches, flatbreads, wraps, bowls, and breakfast choices. Customers can enjoy a selection of superfood, classic, indulgent, and supercharged smoothies, with the option to add supplements for an extra nutritional boost.

Tropical Smoothie Café began its franchising journey in 1997, with the first franchise opening in Tallahassee, Florida. The brand's commitment to quality, community involvement, and customer satisfaction has contributed to its growing popularity and strong market presence.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $17,500 to $35,000
Professional Fees $8,500 to $18,500
Restaurant Fixtures, Furniture and Equipment (including POS system) $141,500 to $174,500
Leasehold Improvements $145,000 to $426,000
Signage $6,000 to $22,500
Initial Inventory $6,500 to $20,500
Initial Training Expenses $500 to $20,000
Initial Deposits $250 to $30,500
Grand Opening Contribution $5,000 to $10,000
Additional Funds (Working Capital, 3 to 6 months) $10,000 to $57,000
Total $340,750 to $814,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Training 

Tropical Smoothie Café is dedicated to ensuring that its franchisees are thoroughly prepared to manage their franchises effectively. To this end, they offer a robust training program designed for franchisees.

Prior to the grand opening of their restaurant, each franchisee must complete the "Initial Training Program." As of the latest update, this program comprises three key segments:

  1. Franchise Basics Program: Spanning approximately two weeks, this segment introduces franchisees to the fundamental aspects of operating a Tropical Smoothie Café.
  2. Franchise Leadership Program: Lasting about a week, this segment focuses on leadership and management skills, equipping franchisees to be effective business leaders.
  3. New Restaurant Opening: Conducted in the week leading up to the restaurant's opening, this segment emphasizes final preparations and operational details to ensure a successful launch.

Territory Protection

Tropical Smoothie Café does not provide franchisees with an exclusive territory. As a result, you may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels and competitive brands managed by Tropical Smoothie Café.

Your Franchised Business will be operated at a specific location that has been approved by Tropical Smoothie Café. You are required to conduct business solely at this approved location and cannot relocate without obtaining prior approval from Tropical Smoothie Café.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

1197

1371

1514

Company-owned units

1

1

1

Total units

1198

1372

1515

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