What is Planet Smoothie?

Planet Smoothie products are known as “The Best Tasting Smoothies on the Planet” for a reason. Containing real fruit and natural sweeteners, the products are naturally delicious, and with 13 smoothies at 300 calories or less, there’s a variety of lighter choices. Planet Smoothie offers almost 40 flavor varieties on the menu, with many that include “blasts” ranging from “fat burner” to “energy” and “protein” options. Whether customers are in the mood for an indulgent treat or a healthful, refreshing fruit alternative, Planet Smoothie has a product that fits their unique flavor craving.

How is Planet Smoothie creating an exciting segment in the food business?

Planet Smoothie is creating an exciting segment in the restaurant business by providing our customers with real fruit smoothies in a variety of options that help them live healthier and active lifestyles. We apply the principles of nature and science to create a nutritional profile for our products that allow our customers to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. And because each new Planet Smoothie location has the fun and vibrant feeling of our new store design, we are able to deliver an overall experience that makes our customers want to come back as part of their daily or weekly routine.

Will you be adding other lines to your offerings?

We are very excited about the new products and flavors that we’ve recently added and will continue to add to our line. While our delicious smoothies provide product options that can span many dayparts, we are always looking for new products or flavors that complement the brand and fill a customer need. Some of our more recent product introductions include an antioxidant-packed Acai smoothie and a lemonade smoothie that refreshes in the summer sun, which provide even more reasons for customers to visit our stores and make Planet Smoothie one of their every day meal or snack occasions.

Are you offering Planet Smoothie franchises in the U.S.?

Yes! Planet Smoothie is developing franchise networks throughout the U.S. Prime franchise locations are now available in many U.S. states and territories. Just fill out the online Request for Information form and a representative will be in touch with you.

Is Planet Smoothie franchising internationally?

Planet Smoothie is currently offered only in U.S. markets. However, a program is in development that will allow the concept to expand globally in the near future. Let us know if this is an opportunity that interests you!

Does Planet Smoothie offer the opportunity to own more than one store?

We offer single unit franchises, multiple-unit franchises and Area Developer agreements in the United States. The multiple-unit opportunity enables entrepreneurs to own and operate two or more centers in a particular territory. The Area Developer opportunity is available to more experienced entrepreneurs. Area Developers work with us in developing the franchise network across a larger region.

How long has Planet Smoothie been in business?

Planet Smoothie started blending real fruit smoothies in Atlanta, GA in 1995, and quickly started expanding across the Southeast U.S. In November, 2011 the Planet Smoothie brand joined forces with Tasti D-Lite, the frozen dairy dessert with a fanatical following in NYC and across the country. With a new vision and a highly experienced management team, Planet Smoothie is now in an exciting new phase of integration and expansion.

How much does it cost to open a new franchise?

The initial investment for an individual Planet Smoothie store in the U.S. ranges from $91,200 to $432,760, depending on the franchise design model you will operate (Traditional Planet Tasti, Non-Traditional Tasti D-Lite or Non-Traditional Planet Smoothie). This includes the franchise fee and a provision for some working capital. We require $70,000 cash and a minimum of $250,000 net worth.

What is your franchise fee?

The franchise fee for an individual traditional franchise center in the U.S. is $30,000. The franchise fee for an individual non-traditional franchise center in the U.S. is $20,000. Area Developer and Master Franchise fees can be considerably higher—in proportion to the size and opportunity in a large territory.

What are Planet Smoothie royalties? Are there any marketing fees?

For U.S. Franchises, royalties are 5% of gross sales and the national marketing fund contribution is 2% of gross sales. The Marketing Fund uses the 2% contributions of all U.S. franchisees to support the development and execution of marketing, promotional and new product initiatives for all U.S. franchisees. Outside the U.S., Marketing Funds for specific countries or regions will be managed by local Master Franchisees.

Can you help with financing?

Planet Smoothie does not provide financing directly to franchisees. But we’d be happy to introduce you to our network of lenders who specialize in franchising and small business finance.

Who finds my franchise location?

Once you sign a preliminary agreement with Planet Smoothie, we’ll support your efforts to secure a suitable site and introduce you to real estate professionals who are tenant representatives and who understand our site criteria. These professionals will take you through lease negotiations to the signing of your lease.

What is the average, minimum or maximum size of a Planet Smoothie store?

We suggest between 600 and 1,200 square feet, with a target of 900 square feet.

Will I have a protected territory for my franchise?

After your site has been secured, we will define a protected geographic territory for your franchise.

What sites are currently available?

We have prime territories available for across the U.S. Let us know what area you are considering in your growth plans.

What does my training include?

The Planet Smoothie training program consists of one week of classroom learning and in-store training and one week of store readiness during your opening week.
An additional week of specialized training is provided for Area Developers and Master Franchisees to address other aspects of these business models and the practices that will support and grow them effectively. After you have opened your center, you’ll be invited to participate in live and online continued learning programs—so you and your team can continually sharpen your skills and learn new and improved methods for making your business even better.

When can I receive franchise owner training?

Planet Smoothie offers training programs each month. As you begin working with a franchise development representative, you will learn at what point your training should occur.

What support will I receive after initial training is complete?

The Planet Smoothie franchise support team is exceptionally experienced in guiding and supporting franchised and food service environments. In addition to visiting you on-site on a regular basis, our team is also available by phone and email. PlanetNet, our private franchisee intranet, provides information and tools to help franchisees 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
We also provide continual support through marketing and product development. It begins with a grand opening program for your store that uses our “model plan,” but is customized for your store and your territory. Additionally, we will leverage national marketing programs and new products, and provide tools and guidance on local area marketing to make you as effective as possible at creating awareness for, and attracting customers to, your store. You’ll find that our online marketing resource center makes it easy for you to customize and print the marketing tools that will help you reach your sales goals.

How much money can I make?

Planet Smoothie does not provide revenue projections in its FDD (franchise disclosure document), so we cannot give you this information. However, as with any small business, the amount of money you can make depends on a number of factors. Most importantly, it depends upon you and the effort you put into your business. As you go through the process of learning about our brands, you will have a chance to speak with current Planet Smoothie store operators and learn from their experiences with the business.

What are the next steps in the Planet Smoothie franchise application process?

Click here to fill out a request for information. A member of our Franchise Development Team will be in touch with you soon to get you started.

How experienced is the Smoothie management team?

Very! The Planet Smoothie management team has more than 200 years of combined franchise and business development experience. Take a closer look at our deep and experienced management team to see why this has been and will continue to be one of the “keys to success” for the Planet Smoothie franchising program.