ATLANTA, July 28, 2004 - Planet Smoothie, one of the top three smoothie franchises nationwide, announces today it is launching Planet Smoothie Cafe, a quick casual extension of its popular smoothie concept founded in 1995. Initially, the new concept will feature a line of fresh salads, gourmet wraps, Panini sandwiches, pitas and fresh juices.

"Every segment of the restaurant industry is re-engineering itself, from its image to its ingredients to its menu board, in an attempt to appear healthier," explains Chris Morocco, chief marketing officer, Planet Smoothie. "Expanding Planet Smoothie into a cafe concept was a natural extension of the brand at a time when the category and customers need more healthy choice edibles."

Planet Smoothie Cafe was conceptualized to serve those times when Americans tend to eat the most unhealthy - breakfast and lunch -- because they are driven by convenience. With new layout and design for increased seating, Planet Smoothie Cafe will start the day earlier than its counterpart and feature a light, but satisfying line up of breakfast items, including fresh squeezed juices such as orange/carrot and wheat grass as well as granola over smoothie energy bowls, fruit parfaits, cinnamon fruit oatmeal and breakfast smoothies.

"Placing a few healthy items on a menu is certainly a step in the right direction for the category, but Planet Smoothie Cafe strives to create an environment that feels and tastes healthy across the board," says Morocco. "You will never see a customer eating a triple-stacked cheeseburger with extra-large fries sitting next to someone enjoying one of our fresh salads. The entire cafe will be consistently healthy."

Planet Smoothie believes customers are looking for fulfilling, but healthier menu options that support their decision to live a healthier lifestyle. And consumers want different choices in a fun and engaging atmosphere that they can frequent different times of the day, be it breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack.

For the lunch crowd, Planet Smoothie Cafe will feature a Panini line, the popular grilled Italian-style sandwiches, features Veggie, Basil Chicken, Turkey and Feta Chicken panini, all under $5. And customers receive an incentive to add a 22 oz smoothie for $2.49. The Gourmet Wraps, which are priced less than the Panini line, include Chicken Caesar, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Turkey and Ham. The salad line is available for under $4, including the Garden Salad, Albacore Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad and Greek Salad.

Piloted in Orlando this summer, the first Planet Smoothie Cafe was met with great consumer success and is now receiving tremendous franchisee demand. Since the first Cafe opened a few weeks ago, Planet Smoothie has sold over a dozen franchises and the demand is running 2 to 1 over the smoothie only version of its concept.

"From the franchisee perspective, unit economics are strong and the concept remains relatively easy to execute. We believe that Planet Smoothie Cafe can generate 25 percent to 75 percent more revenue for our franchisees with only a slightly higher investment," explains Morocco. "Revenues will increase because the concept will appeal to a broader customer base that seeks a "chew factor" in their food choices."

About Planet Smoothie

Founded in 1995 in Atlanta by highly successful quick casual entrepreneur Martin Sprock, Planet Smoothie operates 137 units in 20 states throughout the country with plans to open an additional 5 Planet Smoothies in 2004 and 10 Planet Smoothie Cafes in 2004. Planet Smoothie is the original smoothie concept featuring fresh fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients in five categories: Booster Blast, Fat Burner Blast, Wellness, Workout and Cool Blends. Planet Smoothie Cafe is a quick casual healthy cafe concept featuring fresh salads, Panini sandwiches, gourmet wraps and a line of fresh juices in addition to its trademark smoothie line. Planet Smoothie and Planet Smoothie Cafe are part of the Raving Brands portfolio, which includes Moe's Southwest Grill, Mama Fu's Asian House, and PJ's Coffee Company.

Back to News Articles >>