Dallas — Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand and the first health and fitness fast-casual brand of its kind, plans to open its first-ever stores in the Grand Rapids, Mich., market, as well as 100 new units overall in 2024. Smoothie King has signed development agreements for six units set to open in the Grand Rapids DMA starting early 2025.
As Smoothie King continues to prioritize development and strong new unit growth, the brand has welcomed Brian Olson as vice president of real estate. Bringing a wealth of knowledge from over a decade of experience in the development and restaurant industry, Olson joined Smoothie King in May after 3 years in franchise sales with Carl’s Jr. and Hardees parent company, CKE Restaurants, Inc. Olson will lead the Smoothie King real estate team as the driving force behind strategy, playing a pivotal part in shaping the future of the brand and enhancing its market presence.
The six multi-unit agreements in the Grand Rapids area are with OM Group, a leading franchise organization currently developing several Smoothie King stores in additional key markets across the country. The franchise owners will develop the new stores in Grand Rapids, Mich., Kentwood, Wyo. (a suburb of Grand Rapids), Holland, Mich., Grand Haven, Mich., and Muskegon, Mich.
“We love showing up in a new market in a big way — and Grand Rapids is definitely no exception,” says Chris Bremer, chief development officer at Smoothie King. “The OM Group’s passion for our brand and dedication to helping people live healthier lifestyles make them the ideal partner to help expand our presence across the Midwest. As existing franchisees, it’s exciting to see OM Group further its investment in Smoothie King with these important new development agreements.”
Smoothie King prides itself on providing a compelling investment opportunity — highlighted by a lower cost model and simple operations — for passionate entrepreneurs interested in entering the restaurant industry as franchisees. Smoothie King is operated by over 500 franchisees across the country.
Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the original U.S. smoothie franchise founded in 1973, is a privately held, Dallas-based company with more than 1,200 units worldwide. For more information, visit www.smoothiekingfranchise.com and www.SmoothieKing.com.
SOURCE: Smoothie King