Its tough. A veteran franchise professional, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies including Intercontinental Hotels Group and US Franchise Systems. I joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2010 as the Vice President of Franchise Development and, in 2016, became the Chief Development Officer, where I was responsible for all aspects of the development of the brand. webtv.net; 5+ 404-210-XXXX; 770-670-XXXX; 770-821-XXXX; 770-580-XXXX; 770-821-XXXX; 678949XXXX; Paul Marsden Chief Financial Officer . . How do you feel about franchise advisory councils? When I became CEO, I launched a formal franchisee advisory council, known in our organization as the Tropical Franchisee Council (TFC). Riding the Wave of Growth - CEO, Charles Watson Interview Did you foresee the level of growth the chain has experienced of late? This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. Occhiogrosso:What was your plan for the first 90 days? Occhiogrosso: How do you see the company moving forward? 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. The initial investment ranges from $246,500 to $580,500. And so I think thats only going to fuel our continued growth going forward. Tang asked Watson what support his Franchise Owners need from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Significant Achievements Announced - Tropical Smoothie Cafe LLC Please give our readers the "Elevator Pitch" for Tropical Smoothie Cafe? The best smoothie in terms of sales actually going on right now is our Mango Berry Cosmo. Thats our limited-time offer. Watson: "I'm a huge advocate for franchise advisory councils, specifically when nearly 60% of all franchise agreements at Tropical Smoothie Cafe come from existing franchisees. And it has been a fantastic partnership because we can see the benefit of the dollars that were putting in. But its the freshness. cincinnati fence company llc SERVICE. Its not just: We have snacks! We have a full-on robust kitchen thats preparing fresh products. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. From there, we set up committees, reporting into our TFC, around the major parts of our business, and included more franchisees to provide feedback and work with us on further improving IT, Marketing, Design, and Construction, etc. 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. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. Day-to-day I would say my favorite is the Avocolada Smoothie. Our company sells about 200 franchises, opens over 120 cafes a year, and has more than 500 locations in the pipeline. I joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2010 as the Vice President of Franchise Development and, in 2016, became the Chief Development Officer, where I was responsible for all aspects of the development of the brand. What is the all-time best-selling smoothie the chain offers? TikTok user Fuhlex left her followers stunned after revealing the cost of the bagThe social media user, from LA, said she was 'too embarrassed to put it back'But people likened it to a 'potato sack' and begged her to return it to the store Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Thursday said it has named Charles Watson its permanent CEO as it works to grow into a $1 billion company within five years. There are currently 913 franchised locations and 1 company-owned restaurant. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota (File No. While the pandemic destroyed thousands of restaurants last year, Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe had one of its best years to date. "I wanted to further instill a franchisee-first mentality. Richard Key serves as the Chief Operations Officer, responsible for overseeing the operations team and its support and training of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise community. Start Now! Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place . I think the biggest shift will take place for those restaurants that can't be open right now. So we dont have any specific development goals associated, i.e. Watson:"At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, it's our mission to inspire a healthier lifestyle by serving amazing food and smoothies, with a bit of tropical fun. Were working on it. We did a fantastic job of that during the pandemic, we gave away a quarter million smoothies to healthcare workers and first-responders. We can make you any smoothie that you like with our whole ingredients and you can mix and match as you see fit. 770-580-2333, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Achieves New Milestones in 2022, These Will Be The 10 Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains In 2023, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Propels Franchise Momentum in Q3. Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. "Relationships Rule" is one of our core values, and because of that, people are at the heart of our company. Watson discusses how and why the brand has seen a Q3 same-store sales jump of 19.5% during the pandemic Tropical Smoothie Cafe on franchisee success during COVID-19 | Nation's Restaurant News Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place for hundreds more locations in the pipeline and is on track to meet Charles aggressive goal to hit 1,500 locations by the end of 2024. Without our franchisees, committees, and council, I simply could not do this job. A veteran hospitality professional . Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. Costs can vary by location and the average cost is $370,000. Those franchisees are serving our guests on the front lines I can't run this business without their candid feedback.". The number one seller from a limited time offer perspective has always been our summertime Watermelon Mojito, its incredibly popular, 20 to 25 sales per cafe per day, with that Watermelon Mojito, everyone looks forward to it. Drain-Net Technologies. Previously with Papa Johns International as the Vice President, Global Digital Technology, Michael is a seasoned technology executive with vast engineering and operations expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of digital technology and guest experiences. Charles Watson, CEO Corporate Address . Start to Finish: What Inspires Execs | September 14, 2022 | QSR Staff. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota (File No. CALIFORNIA DISCLAIMER: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Right next to that is our relationship with our Franchise Owners. On April 16 we met our goal of 100,000 smoothies, but our franchisees havent stopped there, and the new challenge is to donate a total of one million smoothies by the end of May. I have a lot of people that inspire me daily, but I really do think that my parents inspired me to be the leader I am today. Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. Charles is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and holds a Master of Business Administration from The Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia. Tropical Smoothie Cafe. 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. 908-236-0277. Well, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, we've got 850 locations in 44 states. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Store Managers make an average of $39,252 per year. Watson: "Like I said, I was very fortunate to have had already developed relationships with our franchise community prior to becoming CEO. "Like I said, I was very fortunate to have had already developed relationships with our franchise community prior to becoming CEO. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. Charles Watson email address & phone number | Tropical Smoothie Cafe An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Because of our amazing guests, our franchisees, and the communities they serve, including those on the front lines of this pandemic, we will get through this. Weve done different promotions and summertime promotions to raise dollars for Camp Sunshine and have one more coming up this fall for them. So whats your own personal favorite smoothie? In her role as Chief Development Officer, Cheryl drives the brands franchise development sales, real estate and design and construction. This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. A shift leaders hourly wage is an average of $11. CEO Charles Watson, who took the reins in 2019, said Tropical Smoothie's goal was to eclipse 1,000 restaurants by 2021 and 1,500 locations with AUVs of $1 million in the next five years. Prior to being named CEO in 2018, Charles served as the chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Richard Key serves as the Chief Operations Officer, responsible for overseeing the operations team and its support and training of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise community. I would say that understanding the viewpoints and drivers of the different stakeholders I was serving was important. What were the one or two unique challenges that you faced upon taking over as CEO? Excludes non-traditional locations and Restaurants that were not open for at least 357 days in 2021. We have very dedicated franchisees that just go out there and drive the business every day. 770-580-2333 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. 770-580-2333 . An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York.