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Smoothie King Franchise Cost Explained: Fees, ROI & Requirements

May 26, 2025

With the U.S. juice and smoothie market set to break $3.5 billion in 2026, health-oriented food franchises are building serious steam. People are moving away from sweet drinks and towards functional nutrition, and Smoothie King is at the forefront.

Started in 1973, Smoothie King has expanded to more than 1,350 locations worldwide, with most of them in the U.S. Its line of clean-ingredient smoothies, designing for fitness, wellness, and meal replacement, appeals to a rapidly growing group of health-oriented Americans.

Consistently ranked among the top franchises by Entrepreneur, Smoothie King balances mission-driven branding with solid financial performance. For those entrepreneurs looking for a scalable, wellness-focused business, it is a strong opportunity.

This guide walks you through each step to open a Smoothie King franchise, covering the Smoothie King franchise cost, investment, earnings, training, support, and how to get started.

Why Choose Smoothie King?

Smoothie King isn’t another smoothie stand; it’s a brand with purpose that has been around since 1973. The company has over 1,350 outlets worldwide as of 2025 and a significant presence in the United States. The brand has earned a reputation for health-conscious offerings that accommodate diverse dietary requirements such as keto, vegan, high protein, and low sugar.

What’s different about Smoothie King is its open ingredient philosophy, whole fruit usage, no artificial flavor or color, and explicit focus on wellness. It’s this moral and tactical positioning that draws not just customers but also franchisees seeking a business that’s sustainable in the long term.

Initial Investment and Franchise Costs

Opening a Smoothie King franchise necessitates a carefully considered financial plan. The initial investment depends on location, size of the store, and build-out expenses. That said, the average estimated investment for a typical Smoothie King shop will cost between $320,301 and $585,465, as indicated by the brand’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Let’s take a closer look at the details of the startup expenses:

Franchise Fee: $30,000 (non-refundable)
Initial Equipment and Supplies: $125,000 – $165,000
Build-Out Costs: $150,000 – $250,000
Signage and Décor: $20,000 – $40,000
Training Expenses: $3,000 – $5,000
Opening Inventory: $5,000 – $10,000
Additional Capital for First 3 Months: $30,000 – $50,000

Smoothie King also provides discounts for veterans and minority owners, including a reduction of up to 20% off the first franchise fee, which can greatly reduce the threshold for entry.

Ongoing Fees and Royalty Structure

Aside from the initial franchise fee, franchisees also have to pay recurring fees that finance the brand’s national marketing and operations.

Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
National Marketing Fund Contribution: 3% of gross sales
Local Store Marketing: Franchisees should invest a minimum of 2% of gross sales in local marketing efforts.

These fees are typical in the franchise industry and are used for maintaining brand integrity, advertising, and ongoing research and development.

Revenue Potential: How Much Can You Make?

The million-dollar question for every franchisee is: how much can I make? Smoothie King’s 2024 FDD states that the average gross sales of the top 25% of legacy locations is about $934,693 per year. The top 50% locations average gross revenue of $731,397.

It’s also important to note that these are averages and can differ substantially depending on the location, efficiency of operations, and market conditions. Those franchisees who stick closely to the brand guidelines and locate high-traffic areas tend to have better performance.

Qualifications and Ideal Candidate Profile

Smoothie King wants franchisees who share its purpose and have a passion for customer service and health. Experience in the food industry is not required, but business skills and management ability are necessary.

Following are the minimum qualification requirements:
Net Worth Requirement: $300,000 minimum
Liquid Capital: At least $100,000 liquid
Credit Score: 680 or higher desirable
Commitment to Full-Time Participation (or employing a full-time manager)

Perfect franchisees should also show leadership potential, a commitment to following the system, and a sincere interest in marketing wellness.

Explore more franchise business:

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Training and Support

Smoothie King is serious about franchise support. Franchisees are walked through a well-structured onboarding program on day one that transitions them from store setup and equipment operation to inventory management and employee training.

Initial Training Involves:

Classroom Training: 11 days at the Smoothie King headquarters in Dallas, Texas
In-Store Training: On-site instruction prior to and during the grand opening
Ongoing Support: Field visits, webinars, marketing toolkits, and access to proprietary software for operational efficiency

Apart from training, Smoothie King provides real estate selection, lease negotiation, and store design assistance. Their site selection is based on facts, with emphasis on population density, income, and traffic volume.

Location and Store Formats

Smoothie King has flexibility in store models to accommodate different demands of the marketplace:

Traditional Locations: Standalone stores or endcap units in open retail corridors
Non-Traditional Locations: Airports, college campuses, fitness clubs, and hospitals

Traditional stores are the most prevalent and profitable, typically in malls or freestanding buildings with drive-thrus—now the benchmark for a competitive edge in the post-COVID environment. Smoothie King indicates that drive-thru stores produce 20% more revenue on average.

How to Apply for a Smoothie King Franchise

The application process is fairly straightforward and typically takes 3 to 6 months from initial inquiry to store opening.

Submit Franchise Inquiry Form via Smoothie King’s website
Initial Call and Brand Introduction with the Franchise Development Manager
Franchise Disclosure Document Review
Financial Verification and Background Check
Discovery Day at Corporate HQ
Sign Franchise Agreement
Begin Site Selection and Construction
Attend Training Program
Grand Opening Support and Launch

Each step is designed to ensure alignment between the franchisor and franchisee and to equip you with the tools needed for success.

Risks and Challenges

While business for smoothies is thriving, would-be franchisees need to weigh against the following risks:

Seasonality: Sales could go up and down with the seasons; summer beats winter.
Labor Dependence: Staffing issues and turnover may affect quality of service.

Growing Competition: Chains such as Jamba, Tropical Smoothie Café, and stand-alone juice bars form a competitive environment.

Franchisees who are keen on keeping costs in check, provide top-notch service, and actively engage in local marketing tend to outperform their counterparts.

The Smoothie King Franchise Advantage

Smoothie King’s blend of health-focused products, strong franchisee support, and brand heritage presents an attractive business opportunity. The company’s ongoing investment in innovation, such as the implementation of AI to personalize customer experiences and loyalty rewards, keeps franchisees competitive in a busy marketplace.

With low franchisee failure and high return on investment, Smoothie King continues to draw entrepreneurs who are dedicated to helping people live healthy through its products.

Final Thoughts

Starting a Smoothie King franchise provides more than monetary returns, it’s a chance to help create a healthier, more active world. Having a successful business system, total support, and a reputation founded on integrity, it’s no wonder Smoothie King consistently ranks as one of the best health and fitness franchises in America.

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or an initial business owner, Smoothie King provides you with the platform to establish a successful business based on a sense of purpose.

If you’re ready to leave your mark, on your community and your career—Smoothie King could be your next best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Smoothie King a good investment?

Yes, Smoothie King is considered a solid investment with high earning potential, especially in high-traffic areas. Top-performing stores make over $900,000 in annual revenue.

2. How long does it take to open a store?

On average, it takes about 6–9 months from the start of the application process to the grand opening, depending on site selection and construction timelines.