Tropical Smoothie Cafe Celebrates 13 Years of Growth, Opens 1,500th Store

Throughout 2024, the brand opened 161 new cafes, 70% of which were initiated by current franchisees.

Jan 21, 2025 - 11:00
Jan 21, 2025 - 10:01
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Celebrates 13 Years of Growth, Opens 1,500th Store

Tropical Smoothie Cafe concluded 2024 by achieving significant growth milestones. The company opened its 1,500th cafe and introduced new menu items, further establishing its strong presence in the fast-casual sector.

Throughout 2024, the brand opened 161 new cafes, 70% of which were initiated by current franchisees. This attests to the strong confidence within its franchise network. The brand also signed 247 new franchise agreements, indicating its sustained appeal. Its 1,500th cafe was opened in Cumming, Georgia by multi-unit franchisee Mike Haines, marking a significant accomplishment for the brand.

Max Wetzel, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, expressed pride in the brand's achievements and underscored the growth driven by the entire team and franchise network. He emphasized that the brand aims to continue its strategic growth and strengthen relationships with franchisees while leading in industry innovation.

In 2024, Tropical Smoothie Cafe expanded its Tropic Bowl menu with new items like the Bahama Mama Bowl and PB Protein Crunch Bowl. It also committed to its partnership with No Kid Hungry, raising over $2.2M for the cause through local and national initiatives.

The company has been a leader in the fast-casual restaurant sector for over a decade. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and franchisee success is evident in its growth, helping it achieve 13 consecutive years of positive same-store sales.

The brand earned several industry awards in 2024, including ranking first in the Smoothie/Juice Category on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list for the fourth consecutive year. It also featured on the Franchise Times Top 400 list, and the Franchise Times Fast & Serious list for the 12th consecutive year.