Smoothie King Caps Strong 2025 with 74 New Stores, Targets 90+ in 2026
HOSPITALITY
Smoothie King ended 2025 on a high note, accelerating store development, introducing new menu items, and laying the foundation for continued growth in the years to come.
Smoothie King, a global leader in the smoothie category announced a banner year for 2025, closing out the fourth quarter with an aggressive push that included 19 new locations and 23 new franchise commitments.
But for a brand that has spent 50 years "nourishing healthy habits," this is just the warm-up. Following a year that saw 74 new store openings and 101 franchise commitments across 47 markets, the brand is forecasting an even larger expansion in 2026: 90+ new locations.
The Evolution into "Power Eats"
The most significant shift for Smoothie King in 2025 wasn't just where they were building, but what they were serving. The brand successfully pivoted from being a destination for drinks to a holistic nutrition hub.
Menu Expansion: Building on the success of its Smoothie Bowls and "Clean Blends" initiative, the brand launched its Power Eats Menu, marking its first nationwide foray into food.
Operational Tech: To support this evolution, Smoothie King is rolling out ovens across its system to facilitate a broader food lineup, backed by enhanced technology to streamline the guest experience.
The 2026 Incentive Program
To hit its goal of 90+ new stores, Smoothie King is kicking off 2026 with a targeted Franchisee Incentive Program. This program focuses on building brand density in key markets, including Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, among others.
“Our 2025 results reflect both the strength of the Smoothie King brand and the confidence franchisees continue to place in our system,” said Gavin Felder, President and CFO of Smoothie King. “We're excited to build on this momentum... making it easier for our franchisees to open, operate, and grow their businesses.”
The "Healthy Habit" Ecosystem
In 2026, the brands winning the "Healthy Habit" race are the ones that understand Convenience is the new Wellness. Smoothie King’s transition from a smoothie-only shop to a "Power Eats" destination is a masterclass in Portfolio Diversification.
For the Franchise Economy, the lesson is clear: growth isn't just about adding doors; it’s about adding Occasions. By introducing food items like toasts and bowls, Smoothie King is moving from a "mid-afternoon snack" to a "breakfast and lunch solution." In the Wellness Economy, the brand that solves the most problems in a guest's daily routine is the one that secures the most loyal real estate, both on the street and in the consumer's mind.