This comes after a year of continuous growth for the brand.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe has announced the opening of a new milestone locations, as the better-for-you smoothie franchise launches its 900th site on the Fort Benning military base in Georgia, U.S.A.
This new opening comes off the back of a big year for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, with the brand opening 87 new sites in 2020 alone, and signing 214 new franchise agreements. In addition, it has achieved double-digit same-store sales growth in the past five months.
“It’s inspiring to be part of the growth that Tropical Smoothie Cafe has accomplished this year despite the hit the restaurant industry and economy took,” said Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “Our franchisees have always been exceptional, but over the course of 2020, they’ve continued to show us their unstoppable dedication and passion for the brand, our product, and the communities they serve. We’re excited and honored to celebrate our 900th opening in Fort Benning, a home to our nation’s military. I’m grateful to be a part of this brand and am optimistic for the future ahead.”
This 900th site is owned and operated by existing franchisees Reginald and Zenna Foster, with Reginald previously serving as a telecommunications officer in the army for more than 25 years. The couple opened their first Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2015, six moths after Reginald’s retirement from the army, and they currently own five cafes with two more in development.
“Fifteen years into my career with the army, I knew that when I retired, I wanted to invest in a franchise,” said Reginald. “Once we discovered Tropical Smoothie Cafe and learned about the better-for-you menu options and its incredible corporate team and franchisee network, we knew it was the perfect fit. Fast forward to today and we’ve truly come full circle as we help this remarkable brand celebrate such a meaningful milestone with our opening on the Fort Benning military base. We are honored to have this opportunity and look forward to serving the local community.”
This milestone opening for Tropical Smoothie Cafe is especially notable, due to its connection with the IFA’s VetFran program, which provides financial incentives to qualified veterans to open franchise locations.
“IFA congratulates Tropical Smoothie Cafe on its 900th location,” said Robert Cresanti, IFA president and CEO. “As longtime supporters of the IFA Foundation’s VetFran program, it is particularly fitting that veteran franchisees are opening this milestone location on a military base. IFA sends its wishes for continued success for the brand and its franchisees as Tropical Smoothie Cafe continues its growth.”
