Our company sells about 200 franchises, opens over 120 cafes a year, and has more than 500 locations in the pipeline. 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. What were the one or two unique challenges that you faced upon taking over as CEO? All of this information may look daunting, yet . Occhiogrosso: What was the condition of the company before you were named CEO? The impact of the more formalized committees we have set up, and the close connection I have with TFC has gotten the system more comfortable with my style and thinking, and I believe, since trust is earned, I still have a long way to go, but am off to a good start. Our franchisees and their teams are the faces community members see daily, and the dedication from them is truly whats given us so much success in recent years. 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.". This information appears in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document. Interested candidates should have business experience, along with a minimum net worth of $350,000 which includes $125,000 in liquid assets. "Our franchisees are the heart of our brand, so we wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could to help them stay afloat through the crisis. 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. Chipotle chicken flatbread. Because 99% of Tropical Smoothie Cafe's system is franchisee-owned and operated, it was my goal to maintain consistency for them and move the company forward in the right direction, with a lot of reverence and respect for the past. To what factors do you attribute the growth of the chain in recent years, and to its staying power? I love that. 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. The smoothie-and-food chain has been a strong grower for years and turned on the jets so far in 2021. CALIFORNIA DISCLAIMER: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. The impact of the more formalized committees we have set up, and the close connection I have with TFC has gotten the system more comfortable with my style and thinking, and I believe, since trust is earned, I still have a long way to go, but am off to a good start. Were any of the franchisees reluctant to follow the system or embrace a new direction? So we managed to get through that. We set company-wide strategic imperatives around these issues immediately.". Based on our fiscal year ending 12/26/2021 and includes 768 Restaurants that were open for at least 12 months as of 12/26/2021. Charles Watson, the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Care, was thrilled with his company's performance so far this year . A minimum net worth of $350,000, which includes $125,000 in liquid assets; Investment and Fee Structure: Start-up fees: A new Cafe investment is between $198,500 and $543,500. Without our franchisees, committees, and council, I simply could not do this job. Mark serves on the board of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. CLOSE. Building off this momentum, in 2019, we celebrated the openings of our 750th and 800th locations, but taking over during such a monumental time for our brand certainly brought opportunities to improve. This strategic expansion has reinforced its industry-leading position and set the stage for 2023 and beyond. My job is to serve them. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. See where were looking to grow to meet the incredible demand. What challenges, if any, did you face in getting "buy-in" from the existing franchise community once you became CEO? Tropical Smoothie is a Georgia-based company that owns and operates a chain of restaurants serving smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Areas we wanted to attack immediately with our rapid growth were direct franchisee support as well as technology support and menu innovation. CEO Charles Watson, along with his leadership team, will be hosting an informative event at the franchised Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Dallas-Fort Worth, located at 760 Airport Freeway, Suite 400 . He's no stranger to franchise development, nor is Charles Watson an outsider, having served four years as the company's Chief Development Officer in addition to his prior role as VP of Franchise Development. But the Mango Berry Cosmo has overtaken it. Whats your favorite cuisine outside of Tropical Smoothie? Prior to that, she spent 22 years at BBDO Worldwide, where she was executive vice president and senior director for the global advertising powerhouse, leading campaign strategy and execution for many large national brands. So well get to 50, but Im not focused on about five or six of them right now. So another boldly flavored product, thats been a number one seller for gosh, probably five, six years at this point. We have quesadillas, we have flatbread sandwiches, we have sandwiches, we have salads. In a highly competitive segment, we're one of the fastest-growing quick-casual brands, opening 124 new locations in 2019 alone and singing 213 development agreements to open hundreds of businesses over the next few years.". Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about . Is there a smoothie that you personally are thrilled is on the menu, but just dont enjoy yourself? Weve raised almost $7.5 million for them. Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Mark Montini joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe as Chief Marketing Officer in October 2019. Why The IFA Convention Is A Cant-Miss Event For Anyone In Franchising, The Automated Dumpling Restaurant Franchise That Could Turn Quick Service Dining On Its Head. This is a BETA experience. Were finding ourselves in an environment where people want speed. 185 Industrial Pkwy, Site H. Branchburg. "Relationships Rule" is one of our core values, and because of that, people are at the heart of our company. A veteran hospitality professional, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group, US Franchise Systems, Inc., and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors. And thats like: Whos the bad kid in the family! Weve got everything right from Island Green Detox, with zero sugar, and ginger, and everything. And that really got us down this road of: What is our purpose? Outside of smoothies, whats the top-selling non-smoothie product? I think the biggest shift will take place for those restaurants that can't be open right now. For me, its about really making sure that those DMAs [distinct market areas] or those different cities are all well represented and well connected so that our brand can compete in those different cities. 13, 2021, 08:36 AM. 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. . 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. I learned through watching them success shouldnt be measured in hours worked, but rather in getting the job done right. Thats a smoothie that has pineapple, strawberries, and white chocolate and coconut. 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. From wraps to flatbreads to salads, Mr. Watson continues to solidly position Tropical Smoothie Cafe as a leader in the fast-casual, healthier lifestyle food category. Always number one, what I am focused on, is unit-level economics for our Franchise Owners. See where were looking to grow to meet the incredible demand. We find that real fruits, veggies, and juices just taste better.". Pete Ward advises Tropical Smoothie Cafe on all legal and business matters, including franchising, real estate, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, licensing, and other commercial matters. And then number two, I would say a franchisee base that is second to none. Were in 44 states, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe does not currently have an international presence. He was previously Tropical Smoothie Cafe's Chief Development Officer since 2016, after serving as VP of Franchise Development since 2010. 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.". 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. When Charles Watson became the new Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO in 2019, . Charles is directly responsible for selling more than 800 franchises during his tenure. It was important to me that we have franchisees themselves share their feedback and align on system initiatives and goals. 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. We like to call it chopping wood, meaning you dont decide when quitting time is; you simply get the work done. Any plans for celebrations and promotions around the quarter-century mark? Paul Marsden oversees development and execution of financial strategies to support the companys business plans. Watson will lead us through our next phase of strategic growth. 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 . NJ. Watson: "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 850 locations in 44 states. Your results may differ. While we had always involved franchisees, I felt it needed to be formalized and more visible to our franchise system. 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. 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. ", Charles Watson was named CEO in December 2018. Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. Charles Watson is currently an Atlanta-based correspondent for Fox News Mediacovering the southeastern portion of the United States. Prior to that, he was named Chief Development Officer in 2015 after serving as VP of Franchise Development since 2010. in December 2018. So since I like it, and since we love Camp Sunshine, we may see that this fall. So its getting involved with charity partners. We gathered that feedback and used it to set goals and action plans for the company. Because 99% of Tropical Smoothie Cafe's system is franchisee-owned and operated, it was my goal to maintain consistency for them and move the company forward in the right direction, with a lot of reverence and respect for the past. And I dont think enough people know that you can go off script to substitute or to take out, etc. Cheryl Fletcher joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in July of 2017. Are there misconceptions about smoothies you want cleared up? I would say Im absolutely not opposed to being in all 50 states. Yes, I am putting my mark on the brand and culture, but I have been around long enough not to stray too far from the DNA of the brand.". 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. Next year marks 25 years since the brands founding. Now were really taking the lead from our franchisees and building out DMAs organically from outside them. Mr. Watson was appointed the CEO position of Tropical Smoothie Cafe in December 2018. "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. With 2011 winding down, how are you leveraging people, budgets, brands, and resources to meet development goals? For me, my entrepreneurial passion really came from my parents. The initial investment ranges from $246,500 to $580,500. Atlanta, GA 30338 Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. "Relationships Rule" is one of our core values, and because of that, people are at the heart of our company. 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. But its the freshness. As you know, the restaurant industry has taken a huge hit. In a highly competitive segment, we're one of the fastest-growing quick-casual brands, opening 124 new locations in 2019 alone and singing 213 development agreements to open hundreds of businesses over the next few years.". Because sure, the smoothies sell well and all, but did you know about the Chipotle Chicken Club flatbread sandwich? I love those states, [but] those are not really key states for us at this point, our big bastions out west are Las Vegas and Phoenix. While we had always involved franchisees, I felt it needed to be formalized and more visible to our franchise system. Costs can vary by location and the average cost is $370,000. Well, we just talked about Camp Sunshine and we have a smoothie called the Sunshine Smoothie that is orange and mango based. He is a general assignment reporter and has covered a range . Since that time, he has led the company on its quest towards $1billion in sales by 2023. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. which of the following is not characteristic of groupthink SPEED Be sure that you have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and $125,000 in liquid assets. We gathered that feedback and used it to set goals and action plans for the company. 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. Watson has more than 10 years of experience with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and led our franchise development efforts since 2010. Each year, franchisees complete the Franchise Business Review to essentially grade us here at the Support Center on how we're serving them. Im a football lover. This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. In short, franchisees needed to know that there was a formal mechanism of their peers that was constantly feeding back to us at the Support Center. The company planned 130 in just 2020; signed 36 of a hopeful 200 franchise agreements by March; and was well on its way to adding five units to its annual . 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. 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. Pete Ward advises Tropical Smoothie Cafe on all legal and business matters, including franchising, real estate, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, licensing, and other commercial matters. Yes, we have some great products on our menu that weve crafted, but you can go off script. Knowing that those essential workers are not only in the healthcare fields, weve also extended our giving to grocery store, warehouse and post office employees. And at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, we really focus on the fresh ingredients. Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. And was one in place already? Its been quite the adventure since becoming the CEO in 2018, and Ive enjoyed every twist and turn in the road. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place . Tropical Smoothie Caf works to keep its momentum. My predecessor did a great job, so most of the hesitancy candidly was, "will this guy be as good, will we have the same amount of success?" I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to lead such an incredible brand that has truly become a part of my DNA over many years, said Watson. 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. Then we determined two focus areas, giving back to the community and prioritizing support for our franchisees. Interested Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise candidates should have business experience, along with a minimum net worth of $350,000, which includes $125,000 in liquid assets. So we dont have any specific development goals associated, i.e. 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. Saturday 31st December 2022 (New Year's Eve) 10:00pm til 4:00am. 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200 Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC F-9894), New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. *$1,009,803 System Wide Average Net Revenues. . 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 execution of the brand's Inspire Better mission. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Fast CasualAn interview with Tim Tang of HughesDecember 2, 2019. Its getting involved in the local community. jdoe@tropicalsmoothie.com), which is being used by 23.3% of Tropical Smoothie Cafe work email addresses. For the fiscal year 2021, these End-Cap and In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants typically ranged in size from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet. 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. But I would tell you that what has ultimately driven this brand is our franchisees and it is our culture, right? 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. "As a first time CEO, learning to view the business from a thinking vs. a doing mentality was a challenge I faced. I was born with a strong work ethic. He is survived by his children Kayla (Jason), Kelsey (Billy), John (Stephanie), Kincaid (Cecilia), his siblings Orville Dallier (Angela), Sue Dorey (Tom), Donna A presentation for a board is focused on very different things than a franchisee roadshow. Were proud to report that as of today, weve donated more than 200,000 smoothies to these hometown heroes, and were not done yet! No Place Like Home: Home Service Franchises Enjoy Continued Growth During Times Of Financial Difficulty, Little Caesars Pizza Franchise Set To Relaunch In The UK, The Importance Of Having A Franchise Exit Strategy. . 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. The Tropical Franchisee Council (TFC) was established in 2018 and has been invaluable for our growth. 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. And so were going to really get to focus there. Charles Watson:"Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, I worked for several hotel and hospitality-centric companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group, US Franchise Systems, Inc. and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors. Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson Tells Us Everything About The Franchise - Exclusive Interview. Were implementing a new point-of-sale system that acts as a hub and enables all third-party delivery, white label delivery, online ordering, etc. Luckily in my first two years as CEO, we continued to expand the footprint of the brand, and increase brand awareness, drive profitability for our franchisees and drive our comp sales. And if you do that well, then your top-sellers, sometimes you beat them. 770-580-2333, NRN Editors Discuss Digital Engagement with CMO Deborah von Kutzleben, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Achieves New Milestones in 2022, These Will Be The 10 Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains In 2023. Total investment for a new cafe opening ranges between $246,500 and $580,500. Prior to that, he was named Chief Development Officer in 2015 after serving as VP of Franchise Development since 2010. 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. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC . Prior to that, she spent 22 years at BBDO Worldwide, where she was executive vice president and senior director for the global advertising powerhouse, leading campaign strategy and execution for many large national brands. What is something you wish more people knew about the chain and its products? city of san diego street classification map; blackrock russell 2000 index fund g1; 3610 atlantic ave, long beach, ca 90807; eternal water heater lawsuit; A series of fortunate events July 20, 2020. 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. Although I did not want to focus on COVID-19 in this interview, it is difficult to ignore its impact on the restaurant community as well as franchisees in general. This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Excludes non-traditional locations and Restaurants that were not open for at least 357 days in 2021. And what we were able to do is to take a smaller organization that was scrappy, just like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and really build their endowment and really serve a lot of families. We want to capture both the head and the heart of our consumers. 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." 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. In 2018, when I was named CEO, we had more than 720 locations open nationwide. Get Verified Emails for 1,980 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Employees. wills o' nats last of the summer wine. Join our Franchise Family. Were 100% focused on domestic right now. 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 When I became CEO, I launched a formal franchisee advisory council, known in our organization as the Tropical Franchisee Council (TFC). Complete the form or call 770-821-1928, and a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise development leader will reach out to you with more information. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200, Atlanta, GA 30338. This process only helps our individual franchisees and their bottom line, respectively.". 5 free lookups per month. At the start of his career, Michaels ambitious spirit led him to develop a point of sale system, Hot Sauce. Atlanta, GA 30338 Tropical Smoothie Cafe's primary competitors include Del Taco, Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco and 19 more. Prior to being named CEO in 2018, Charles served as the chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Camp Sunshine is a camp for kids and their families that have life-threatening illnesses. Watch the complete interview here or start your journey in becoming a Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Owner by completing our form. These early experiences in the workforce are what ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. My predecessor did a great job, so most of the hesitancy candidly was, "will this guy be as good, will we have the same amount of success?" This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. When Charles Watson became the new Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO in 2019, the company claimed that it could be looking at $1 billion in sales in the next five years. In a franchise system, without broad franchisee buy-in, you cannot move as efficiently and effectively as is required in today's business environment.". Paul Marsden oversees development and execution of financial strategies to support the companys business plans. If its not run-of-the-mill bland food, we want to bring a little bit of a culinary experience to quick casual, and still provide convenience, and value, and all those kinds of things. Fixed: Release in which this issue/RFE has been fixed.The release containing this fix may be available for download as an Early Access Release or a General Availability Release. "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 850 locations in 44 states. So our franchisees, if theyre staying on top of their Tropical Smoothie Cafe, theyve got to own that three to five mile radius around there. TropicalSmoothie.com. We did a fantastic job of that during the pandemic, we gave away a quarter million smoothies to healthcare workers and first-responders. 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. What are some of your interests outside of work? Well, I think the one thing is that smoothies are anytime, theyre not just a breakfast day part. I was lucky enough to work with the founders of the business (and still do as they are board members) as well as work under our first CEO, who did an amazing job. In these roles, Charles was responsible for all development of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe brand. Thatll come down over time, but were going to open 130 cafes on top of that. His goal is to achieve $1 billion in sales and 1,500+ cafes by 2023. . Charles Watson serves as CEO for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Michael Lapid joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in October of 2019 to the role of Chief Information and Digital Officer. Paul Marsden oversees development and execution of financial strategies to support the companys business plans. 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.