Planet Smoothie Plans 14 New Stores in 2016
Growing smoothie franchise has prime territories available; our streamlined system of operation is key to success
The Planet Smoothie franchise surpassed the 100-store mark in 2015, capitalizing on the growth of our customer base as more and more consumers want healthier, tasty, portable snack options to fit their lifestyle. That will continue in 2016; we plan to open 14 new stores this year.
“Our growth in 2015 highlights Planet Smoothie’s commitment to creating a simple and affordable business model for entrepreneurs, as well as our commitment to providing fresh and healthy options for today’s consumers in search of healthier and tastier quick-service food options,” says John Wuycheck, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Planet Smoothie.
Planet Smoothie franchise sets itself apart by offering great-tasting smoothies that use healthier, natural ingredients. In a side-by-side comparison, our smoothies generally have less sugar and fewer calories — a big competitive advantage as Americans actively seek healthier options. Planet Smoothie is led by a veteran franchise team and dedicated brand support team as part of the Kahala Brands family.
Planet Smoothie has various territories available
Planet Smoothie has single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities available in prime territories across the nation.
While our smoothie franchise has a strong presence in the Southeast and solid growth in Florida markets, that leaves many states ripe for the picking. In areas where smoothie franchises have not yet entered the market, many times communities just need to learn about our product to be excited by its quality, taste and health benefits.
A good example is Central Florida. Back in 1999, no one knew much about smoothies, says Planet Smoothie Area Developer Jason Mann. Jason helped grow the brand from a handful of stores then to more than two dozen today.
“To be really successful, you have to make yourself part of the community,” says Jason, who has a management infrastructure in place to operate his three stores and provide top-notch support to 20-plus franchise owners in his region.
In the beginning, Jason says, he dressed in a banana suit and stood outside his store. He and his wife also marketed heavily to schools in the area, building solid customer relationships that only fostered the growth of the Planet Smoothie franchise.
Planet Smoothie pinpointed Orlando as a great growth opportunity, and they were right. Today, the smoothie franchise is a dominant brand in the area, and Jason believes this success could be replicated throughout the country.
Planet Smoothie franchise is a streamlined business
Planet Smoothie restaurants provide customers with lively environments to enjoy quality, nutritious and tasty smoothies.
Our streamlined operation allows people from many backgrounds to easily start and operate our franchises, while also leaving time for developing community relationships.
The Planet Smoothie franchise gives franchisees a 100+ page marketing toolkit with comprehensive strategies for attracting customers, encouraging repeat visits and boosting revenue. The kit also helps entrepreneurs to analyze their competitors, identify potential community partnerships and scout for likely customers. In addition, Planet Smoothie provides their franchisees with coupons and other outreach strategies and marketing materials tailored to audiences to attract customers.
Keith and Corey Lehmann have watched their Orlando franchise grow due to their marketing efforts.
“The more samples I give out at events, the more success we seem to have,” says Keith Lehmann. “I actively pursue any opportunity to get out in the community and help — whether it’s a school, a church, a not-for-profit, a library event, neighborhood movies in the park.”
Because smoothies are easy to make, Planet Smoothie franchisees can easily train their team members.
Franchisee Mele Frumer of Orlando, Florida, trained five of her six children to work with her at her franchise.
“It has given them a taste for having a real job,” says Mele. “It a perfect business to do with your kids. It’s not too complicated.”
Learn more about Planet Smoothie
For in-depth details about the Planet Smoothie franchise opportunity, download our free franchise report. You can also learn more by visiting our research pages.