HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the heels of opening its first restaurant in the Houston market, Tropical Smoothie Café , known for its healthy food with a tropical twist, announces plans to add 20 franchise locations in the Houston metro area in three years.
The company is currently seeking local franchise partners to develop new restaurants in the following parts of Houston: Memorial Park/Washington Corridor, Greater Heights/Northside Village, North Houston, Sugarland/Meadows Place, Bellaire, Katy/Cinco Ranch and Southwest Houston.
This past August, local entrepreneurs Jignesh Patel and Hemal Patel opened the Houston area's first Tropical Smoothie Café, located at 5620 W Grand Pkwy South in Richmond. The brother-in-law franchise partners are already making plans to develop additional Tropical Smoothie Café restaurants in Texas in the coming years.
"After deciding to open a franchise concept, we looked at all the top food concepts and ultimately decided on Tropical Smoothie Café because of its use of fresh fruits and veggies and all-around better-for-you ingredients," said Jignesh Patel. "Personally, it's very satisfying to know I'm making it easier for my neighbors to eat and live healthier."
The unrivaled brand positioning of "healthy food with a tropical twist" has catapulted Tropical Smoothie Café to the forefront of the quick-casual segment. By pairing made-to-order smoothies with healthy, innovative menu items, Tropical Smoothie Café appeals to a broad consumer base during all dayparts. With systemwide revenue approximately split between smoothie and food purchases, the two-in-one business model has led to strong sales with average unit volumes in excess of $500,000. In 2013, Nation's Restaurant News recognized Tropical Smoothie Café on its list of "Top 10 Newcomers" and ranked Tropical Smoothie Café number one for growth in U.S. systemwide sales among brands included on its "Second 100" list.
"Buzz is beginning to build about Tropical Smoothie Café in Houston," said Tropical Smoothie Café CEO Mike Rotondo. "There's a huge demand for healthy food options in Houston – both from active individuals and those aspiring to live healthier – and we're eager to partner with local entrepreneurs who want a fun, rewarding and financially sound career."
Tropical Smoothie Café is seeking partnerships with local franchisees with general business experience who are active in the community. Restaurant and food industry experience, though preferred, is not required to open a Tropical Smoothie Café, says Rotondo. That's because Tropical Smoothie Café does not use complicated or expensive equipment often found in the fast-casual industry, such as grills, deep fryers or hoods, offering prospective candidates an easy-to-operate business opportunity.
The development in the Houston area is part of the 346-unit brand's overall growth strategy to open 42 locations throughout the U.S. in 2013.
To inquire about franchise opportunities, visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com . For locations and general information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com .
About Tropical Smoothie Café
Established in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level by offering diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, specialty wraps, sandwiches, grilled flatbreads and salads. The company also caters. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For several consecutive years, Tropical Smoothie Café has been included in Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" list as well as ranked in the publication's "America's Top Global" franchise category. Tropical Smoothie Café has more than 345 locations open in the United States, with an additional 46 currently in development. For information about franchising opportunities, visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com . For more information about Tropical Smoothie Café, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com .
Media Contact: John Arango, Fishman PR (847) 945-1300 or
