Franchise Directory
Explore hundreds of top franchise opportunities
Smoothie King
It's good to be king -- even a self proclaimed one. Smoothie King Franchises offers a mix of good nutrition and creamy drinks. The company reigns over a chain of smoothie stands that offer blended fruit and juice drinks. Its smoothies are available in more than 50 flavors and can be fortified with dietary supplements. The stores also carry sports drinks, energy bars, supplements, and sports nutrition items. Smoothie King outlets can be found in more than 30 states and South Korea. Founders Steve and Cindy Kuhnau started selling smoothies out of a health food store in 1973 and began franchising their Smoothie King concept in 1989.
2010 AllStar Rank: 7
2009 AllStar Rank: 9
Fast Facts
| Year established | 1973 |
| Franchising since | 1989 |
| Can be run from home? | No |
| Number of employees needed | 9 - 11 |
| Item 19 Financial Performance Representation? | No |
| Multiple units must be purchased in U.S. | No |
| Multiple units must be purchased outside U.S. | Yes |
| % of franchisees who own multiple units | 50% |
| Absentee ownership allowed? | Yes |
Franchise Unit Growth Rate
| Year | U.S. Franchises |
Non-U.S. Franchises |
Company-Owned Locations |
| 2011 | 529 | 81 | 1 |
| 2010 | 533 | 75 | 1 |
| 2009 | 535 | 61 | 1 |
Expanding in These Locations
| Total Investment | $139,900 - $322,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% |
| Net Worth | $150,000 |
| Liquid Capital | $75,000 |
| Does franchisor offer financing? | No |
| Is franchisor on the SBA's Franchise Registry? | Yes |
| Is franchisor a member of the IFA's VetFran program? | Yes |
| Company Type: | Private |
| Employees: | 60 |
| Executives: | Stephen (Steve) Kuhnau Sr., President, CEO, and Co-FounderMichael (Mike) Powers, EVP New Business DevelopmentRichard Leveille Jr., EVP Development and Real Estate |
| Sales: | $10,800,000 |
| Industries: | Specialty Eateries |
| See More Industries | |
| Top Competitors: | JambaKahalaPlanet Smoothie |



