Business Description

Our vision at Tropical Smoothie Café is to be THE CHOICE for a higher quality, healthier way of life. Through our innovation and unparalleled hospitality we have created a niche category by combining exceptional smoothies and gourmet food under one roof. At Tropical Smoothie Café we provide our customer with real fruit smoothies, toasted wraps, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, and gourmet salads in a fun, tropical environment!

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1997

Franchising Since:  1997

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	275	98.9%
Company-Owned Units:	3	1.1%
Total Operating Units:	278	100.0%
Minority Representation Units Owned by Minorities: African-American: 5% Asian-American: 10% Hispanic: 2% Native American: 0 Other: 0 Specific Minority   Program(s) in place: Although we strongly support the objectives of the NMFI, we do not yet have any specific programs in place at this time.
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 278 100% In 35 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 278 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. Florida	99
2. Virginia	60

Registered in Following Registration States: California, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, District Of Columbia

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$300K
Cash Investment:	$100-150K
Total Investment:	$254-385K
Average Total Investment:	$320K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$25K
Average Franchise Fee:	$25K
On-Going Royalty:	6%
Average Royalty:	6%
Advertising Fee:	1+2%

Average Number of Employees: 2 Full-time, 8 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 1,200 for 2

Preferred Sites: Strip Center, Regional Mall

Other Sites: Free-Standing w/ Drive Thru, End Cap w/ Drive-Thru

Encourage Conversions? Yes

Earnings Claims Provided?: Yes

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	3
General Business Experience:	4
Specific Industry Experience:	2
Formal Education:	2
Psychological Profile:	5
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	15 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	10 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Allowed, But Discouraged
Area Development Agreements?	No
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	Yes
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	25
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	Yes, Direct
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	Yes
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Included in Fees
Central Purchasing:	Included in Fees
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	Included in Fees
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Corporate Office	1 Week
2. Local Stores	2 Weeks
3. Store Opening	1 Week
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 55 U.S.: Yes, All United States Canada: Yes Overseas: Yes	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Tropical Smoothie Cafe.