The range is based on estimated costs for End-Cap or In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants, which include those located in or at strip style retail shopping centers but does not include drive-thrus. And so were going to really get to focus there. We figured a good person to ask might be the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Charles Watson. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Puts Franchisees, Community First During Crisis A veteran franchise professional, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies including Intercontinental Hotels Group and US Franchise Systems. I try to pass along that spirit and advice to others. Husband-And-Wife Team Inspire Better | Tropical Smoothie Cafe The guests who support local businesses in and around their communities are the ones we give the credit to because their loyalty to our cafes is what has ultimately maintained our ability to serve. "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 850 locations in 44 states. We like to call it chopping wood, meaning you dont decide when quitting time is; you simply get the work done. When asked about developing people skills with a generation used to communicating online, Its an opportunity for us as managers and Franchise Owners to teach the staff how to greet people, look them in the eye, and ask how may I serve you today? Its our job to teach the next generation. The smoothie-and-food chain has been a strong grower for years and turned on the jets so far in 2021. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Store Managers make an average of $39,252 per year. I think the greatest thing you can do in life is serve others and reap the reward of knowing youve done something good for someone else. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of franchise development, real estate, design and construction and franchise administration and helped grow the system from 265 open units to 725 open units. Ill start with the fact that I believe that convenience is king. As a brand, we strive for excellence in service and creating a culture of hospitality for our business no matter which location you visit, and this year we're prioritizing them even further by enhancing pillars of our hospitality-centric culture and the technology we use to create convenience for our guests in order to reinforce our position as the leader in our segment. My experience with the brand up to that point was beneficial because I was already very immersed in the operations and processes that had contributed to its success at that time. Charles Watson serves as CEO for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It is, however, a "darn good chaser," he said and . We must be able to service the guests who want to be on demand.. Richard has served in a franchise operations capacity for more than 20 years with brands such as TCBY, Carvel, and Moes Southwest Grill. Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. The success of our brand is about the talent and drive of our talented executives and Support Center team. If your Franchised Business includes a drive-thru, the additional expense (including the cost of leasehold improvements, restaurant fixtures and equipment, and other costs) would be approximately $35,000 to $45,000. Prior to being named CEO in 2018, Charles served as the chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Watson has been with Tropical Smoothie Cafe for many years now, so he has seen the growth up close. And we actually drove our comparative sales versus 2019 by 7.5%. I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC Then I was our chief development officer and Ive been our CEO for about three years now. Watson: "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 850 locations in 44 states. 770-580-2333 Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. In conclusion, I believe the growth of Tropical Smoothie Cafe over the last two years demonstrates Mr. Watson's steady leadership and a clear understanding of building on the momentum that has made the brand a leader in its category. Its been quite the adventure since becoming the CEO in 2018, and Ive enjoyed every twist and turn in the road. While we had always involved franchisees, I felt it needed to be formalized and more visible to our franchise system. If your Franchised Business includes a drive-thru, the additional expense (including the cost of leasehold improvements, restaurant fixtures and equipment, and other costs) would be approximately $35,000 to $45,000. I lean into that so that our employees can feel good about what they do.. We find that real fruits, veggies, and juices just taste better.". I think all natural, whole fruit, and the ability to substitute while also having some really great baseline recipes that we have out there. Those franchisees are serving our guests on the front lines I can't run this business without their candid feedback.". In this role, Mark leads brand, marketing, product, and digital innovations core functions of delivering the remarkable guest experience that drives Tropical Smoothie Cafes success. Today's post focus' on that topic in an interview with Charles Watson, the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Caf. Charles Watson, the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Care, was thrilled with his company's performance so far this year . Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about supporting the franchise system's . When our franchisees are successful, the brand is successful. So I think theres a misconception with some brands that, for example a Slurpee, its not at all a Slurpee, its absolutely whole real fruit, ice, water, very basic items. Complete the form or call 770-821-1928, and a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise development leader will reach out to you with more information. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. "As a first time CEO, learning to view the business from a thinking vs. a doing mentality was a challenge I faced. The smiles we saw and stories we heard inspired us to think bigger and explore how we could do even more to support the communities we serve. See where were looking to grow to meet the incredible demand. Mark serves on the board of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. In my experience, making franchisee success and profitability the priority is the key to the longevity of any franchised brand. How is taking the reins of an existing company different than being part of a startup or a founder? It is the food. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200, Atlanta, GA 30338. "I think when taking over any brand where you worked alongside your predecessor, there's a certain level of pressure to continue carrying the torch, but also to make necessary changes to the brand to evolve with the changing economy and consumer trends. These early experiences in the workforce are what ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. He is survived by his children Kayla (Jason), Kelsey (Billy), John (Stephanie), Kincaid (Cecilia), his siblings Orville Dallier (Angela), Sue Dorey (Tom), Donna SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. . This information appears in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document. Since that time, he has led the company on its quest towards $1billion in sales by 2023. I wont lie, it was a blow to the ego at first, but it taught me what being a role player means and how important every role is to the bigger picture. In this role, Mark leads brand, marketing, product, and digital innovations core functions of delivering the remarkable guest experience that drives Tropical Smoothie Cafes success. In response to a question about the culture of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Watson elaborated: The mission of Tropical Smoothie Cafe is to inspire a healthier lifestyle. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Beyond just smoothies, we serve better-for-you wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads, and pride ourselves on living at the "intersection of taste, convenience, and hospitality." In July 2018, I was named interim CEO, and then permanent in December 2018.". Prior to being named CEO in 2018, Charles served as the chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson Tells Us Everything - Mashed Right next to that is our relationship with our Franchise Owners. Watch the complete interview here or start your journey in becoming a Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Owner by completing our form. I would say Im absolutely not opposed to being in all 50 states. Cheryl Fletcher, Chief Development Officer of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, shares highlights of her career and leadership style in Franchising. And now is the right time to buy." . Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading national fast-casual cafe concept known for both its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, announces the appointment of Charles Watson as the new Chief Executive Officer. A veteran franchise professional, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies including Intercontinental Hotels Group and US Franchise Systems. Over the next five years, our goals are to reach 1,500 cafes open across the U.S., with over 18% profitability for our franchisees on average volumes in excess of $1M, all with very high operational satisfaction for our guests. When I became CEO, I launched a formal franchisee advisory council, known in our organization as the Tropical Franchisee Council (TFC). Watson:"We were in a good place! Without our franchisees, committees, and council, I simply could not do this job. As reopening guidelines are being determined, we plan to move forward with an abundance of caution. Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. We have three tenets in how we serve our Franchise Owners. Chief Development Officer since 2016, after serving as VP of Franchise Development since 2010. And then number two, I would say a franchisee base that is second to none. The companys goal is to open 1,500 cafes or more by the year 2024. With the fast-casual spot gaining more recognition every year, there's a good chance that you won't be seeing your favorite Tropical Smoothie Cafe going anywhere anytime soon . Its not just: We have snacks! We have a full-on robust kitchen thats preparing fresh products. The fact that nearly 60% of all new Tropical Smoothie Cafe units are opened by existing franchisees underscores the franchise owner's satisfaction with the concept, the company, and it's leadership. Occhiogrosso: What are some of the additional support initiatives you put in place for your franchise community during the pandemic? Atlanta, GA 30338 Occhiogrosso: What were the one or two unique challenges that you faced upon taking over as CEO? Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. Occhiogrosso: What was the condition of the company before you were named CEO? And if you do that well, then your top-sellers, sometimes you beat them. So Ive got to get them in while I can. If you dont have a Tropical Smoothie Cafe near your home yet, just wait a bit. New York State Disclaimer: This advertisement is not an offering. So were a brand thats going to be close to pushing a 3:1 investment ratio. 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200 Although COVID-19 has directly impacted our business, some days being down more than 50 percent, we consider ourselves lucky to have a business model that allowed us to easily transition to grab-and-go, curbside, and delivery only. So just one shy of 100. Watson:"When COVID-19 struck the restaurant landscape in mid-March, we closed all dining rooms and shifted our focus to drive-thru, curbside pickup, and delivery where available. Michael brings 20 years of foundational IT skills and core functions of digital knowledge critical to shaping our journey to reach guests via innovative technologies. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. With extensive experience in the food service industry, Paul comes to Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Popeyes, where he served as the Chief Accounting Officer and spent nearly two decades working in the brands financial and accounting departments. Its a fantastic organization that weve enjoyed immensely being part of. I may have been, in fact, the person responsible for awarding them a franchise! There are currently 913 franchised locations and 1 company-owned restaurant. Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about supporting the franchise systems sustainable growth, the success of its franchisees, and the execution of the brands Inspire Better mission. To what factors do you attribute the growth of the chain in recent years, and to its staying power? He was previously. 770-580-2333 menu boasts bold, flavorful smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made-to-order with quality ingredients. Charles is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from The Terry School of Business at The University of Georgia. Tropical Smoothie Franchise Cost & Profit for 2023 Explained Turns out, theres a lot to know about Tropical Smoothie Cafe. And provide technology.. CLOSE. Those interested in becoming a franchisee should have $125,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $350,000. "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is in a perfect position for the future. This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. The first thing is to be a business partner. The range is based on estimated costs for End-Cap or In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants, which include those located in or at strip style retail shopping centers but does not include drive-thrus. Day-to-day I would say my favorite is the Avocolada Smoothie. With extensive experience in the food service industry, Paul comes to Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Popeyes, where he served as the Chief Accounting Officer and spent nearly two decades working in the brands financial and accounting departments. Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. The impact of technology on the restaurant business and how Tropical Smoothie Cafe is adapting to a changing landscape in hospitality. Tropical Smoothie Franchise For Sale - SmoothieProClub.com In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of franchise development, real estate, design and construction and franchise administration and helped grow the system from 265 open units to 725 open units. In her role as Chief Development Officer, Cheryl drives the brands franchise development sales, real estate and design and construction. Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about supporting the franchise system's sustainable growth, the success of its franchisees, and the . Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson on franchisee success and While our projected 2020 growth might take a step back due to the coronavirus, I believe our approach to navigating through this will help us emerge quickly once it passes. How Tropical Smoothie pulled off record-breaking year during COVID-19 Your results may differ. Our relationships are founded on trust and respect for the unique talents of our teams, franchisees, and vendors alike. Yeah. Passion and brand vision continue to guide the way. Watson: "I think when taking over any brand where you worked alongside your predecessor, there's a certain level of pressure to continue carrying the torch, but also to make necessary changes to the brand to evolve with the changing economy and consumer trends.