Overview
Why Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a food & beverage brand with over 14 years of operating history and 1,197 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.
The Numbers
Investment & Fees
- Total initial investment
- $300K – $721K
- Initial franchise fee
- $45K
- Royalty fee
- Available on request
- Ad / marketing fee
- Available on request
Regulatory Filings
FDDs on file
Latest FDD on file: 2025. Request the document below to see Item 19 financial performance, Item 7 estimated initial investment, and territory disclosures.
Who's Operating It
595 franchisees of Tropical Smoothie Cafe
*Glen Johnson Nicholas "Nick" Crouch
Jacksonville, Florida
78unitsEric Persson
Las Vegas, Nevada
22unitsEmily Harrington
Tampa, Florida
15units*Michael Haines
Cumming, Georgia
11units*Jigna Patel
Little Rock, Arkansas
10unitsPaul Dudgeon
Shelby Twp, Michigan
10unitsSherman Dye
Cary, North Caro
9unitsVimal Patel
Chesapeake, Virginia
9units
Why every serious buyer requests the FDD
The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.
- Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
- Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
- Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
- Item 21: audited financial statements
Frequently Asked
Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise FAQ
Is Tropical Smoothie Cafe a franchise?
Yes. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a Tropical Smoothie Cafe location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $300K – $721K. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
How much does it cost to open a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise?
Total initial investment to open a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise ranges from $300K – $721K according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.
What is the Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise fee?
The Tropical Smoothie Cafe initial franchise fee is $45K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.
How many Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise locations are there?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe operates 1,197 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.
When was Tropical Smoothie Cafe founded?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe was founded in 2012, giving the brand 14 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.
Is a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise profitable?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the Tropical Smoothie Cafe FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.
How do I apply for a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise opportunity?
Submit a request through this page to receive the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.
Where can I get the Tropical Smoothie Cafe FDD?
The current Tropical Smoothie Cafe FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.
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