Smoothie King Posts Record Franchisee Recruitment Numbers

Business Wire:

Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the originator of the nutritional fruit-based smoothie, today announced it has posted another record year in new franchise licenses, with a total of 129 signed franchise agreements in 2007. Despite economic conditions challenging the development of other franchise brands – both within and outside of the category – the privately owned New Orleans-based company has posted an average growth rate of 27% in each of the past 4 years.

Smoothie King credits its commitment to building and maintaining a solid business foundation for its franchisees and implementing systems to support and foster steady growth for its year-over-year success.

‘Smoothie King is no stranger to being original, and we have taken that same approach in licensing our brand,’ said Michael Powers, Executive Vice President of Business Development. ‘All of our new business has been generated without the use of brokers, trade shows, agents or other traditional means. Our development team has done an exceptional job over the years of cultivating our candidates from within our 4 walls, by drawing in candidates who were loyal Smoothie King guests before they decided to go into business with us. We believe this builds a stronger foundation for Smoothie King’s relationship with its franchisees. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished for a company of our size, but we are most satisfied that we’ve been able to do so while upholding the quality standards for franchise operators and their belief in our mission.’

Powers said Smoothie King continues to build on the momentum, and expects to license more than 150 new locations in 2008.