Smoothie Factory

About Smoothie Factory

Juice bar brand Smoothie Factory was founded by former Olympian James Villanasa, who while training was seeking a way to eat healthy and nutritious meals served quickly and at affordable places. Opening his first outlet in Texas in 1996, the brand has since spread across the US and to 20 other countries. It’s circa 120 stores offers smoothies, yogurts, juices, sandwiches, superfood bowls, salads, wellness shots and juice cleansing programmes. In May 2022, the company opened its first UK and Ireland store, in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. This was followed by a Bangor site in March 2023 and then its English debut, in Brunswick, London, in May 2023. In April 2024, Subway franchisee Peter Olowe took on the GB master franchise for US juice bar brand Smoothie Factory - targeting at least ten stores by the end of the year and seeing the potential for an eventual 100-strong estate. The current sites will continue to be operated by existing franchisees, and the company intends to open equity stores in the UK, too, but its growth here will be led by Olowe, who owns Subway stores in London and Essex, alongside his wife and realty, Kemi Olowe. “Peter already has four sites agreed in and around London, and we think we can be in double digits by the end of the year,” said Andy Hulbert of Bee Smart Franchise Consultancy. “We believe we can eventually take Smoothie Factory to more than 100 sites here as they're really easy to do, with kiosks being the main driver, although shops are not out of the question. With a rich background in the retail sector, Peter and Kemi bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the table. Their profound understanding of local consumers and market dynamics positions them to drive unprecedented growth and achievement for Smoothie Factory GB. The brand has already made a notable entry into the UK market, marking the commencement of an exciting journey to establish itself across Great Britain.” According to Companies House, Olowe’s Smoothie Factory businesses were dissolved in October 2024.

Why franchise with Smoothie Factory

• ✓Turnkey operations are available from £100,000, including franchise fee, with a return on investment in under 24 months. Compact 300-square-foot trading areas suitable for standalone units or kiosks are being sought, while custom-designed stores can be tailored to individual requirements. Comprehensive support is also available, including site selection assistance and guidance on marketing/promotions. The company says: “Thanks to our hard work and help from extraordinary franchise partners, Smoothie Factory operates in more international markets that any other juice bar brand. We provide the training, support, and expertise to create a profitable business anywhere in the world. We are an innovative company, constantly developing and providing a balanced mix of healthy and delicious products that meet the evolving tastes and desires of our guests worldwide. Every process with the store is optimised to enhance your success – everything from site selection, training, build-out, equipment, menu preparation, and more, there is a process for it.” It claims to offer the lowest royalty fee in the industry, at 1.5-2% for master franchisees and 3-4% for unit franchisees, depending on the number of units. It also offers low food and labour costs, with master franchise owners free to buy items through outside vendors if they can find better pricing. The company works with its franchise partners to develop menus specific to its market and offers flexible store design. Store sizes vary from 25 to 11 square metres, with concepts including kiosk, express and traditional store. Initial and ongoing support includes help with the tracking of key performance indicators, solve problems and boost performances, while comprehensive training includes initial franchise training in the master franchisee’s territory. Master franchisees own an exclusive territory, allowing them to receive franchise fees from franchises sold in the territory, as well as ongoing royalties from franchisees they support. It is for those who want an expanded role beyond single or multi-store developments, as well as a larger income potential through sub-franchising.