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Established Menu System
Proprietary recipes for smoothies and food items draw on a system with 1,651 restaurants open as of 2025.
Defined Investment Range
Total initial investment estimated at $275,500 to $770,500 for standard locations based on 2025 franchisee reports.
On-Site Opening Assistance
Franchisor provides at least 5 days of on-site support for first-unit openings.
About Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchises operate fast-casual restaurants selling premium handcrafted smoothies made with fresh fruit and vegetables, along with specialty sandwiches, flatbreads, wraps, salads, and bowls under proprietary marks. The franchisor, TSC Franchisor, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSC SPV Funding, LLC formed in 2024, acquired assets from a predecessor that began franchising in 2012. The system includes 1,651 restaurants as of 2025, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Units function as quick-service restaurants in end-cap or in-line locations of 1,200-1,900 square feet, typically without drive-thrus. Operations emphasize proprietary recipes for smoothies and food items, supported by franchisor-approved suppliers, procedures, and software for inventory and accounting. Franchisees manage daily sales of prepared-to-order menu items with ongoing field support and national marketing fund contributions.
TSC Franchisor, LLC is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of TSC SPV Funding, LLC (TSC Issuer), a Delaware limited liability company formed on July 8, 2024, which is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of TSC SPV Guarantor, LLC. TSC is an indirect parent, and the ultimate indirect parent holding company is Peach TopCo LP, with affiliates of Blackstone, Inc. acquiring control in June 2024 as part of related transactions.
The business model
How a Tropical Smoothie Cafe territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000 standard; $17,500 for qualified veterans; $25,000 for additional restaurants.
Ongoing Fees
6% royalty on Gross Sales; 5-6% to national marketing fund.
Grand Opening Marketing
Minimum $10,000 contribution for first-time franchisees; $5,000 for subsequent units.
Technology and Other Fees
Monthly fees include $179 for BOH systems, $54 for digital ordering, $75 for loyalty platform.
Investment Breakdown
Key ranges: leasehold improvements $104,000-$370,000; equipment $131,500-$184,000; 3 months working capital $15,000-$52,500.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$35,000
Total investment range
$275,500 – $770,500
Royalty
6.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
5.00% of gross revenue
Founded
2024
Headquarters
Atlanta, GA
Active US franchisees
n/a
Total US units
n/a
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training program for franchisee's first restaurant.
- +At least 5 days of on-site opening assistance by franchisor representative for first unit.
- +Ongoing general advisory assistance, field support, and operational consultations.
- +Recommended procedures for administration, bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory control.
- +Access to manual updates, quality control reviews, and approved suppliers.
Multi-unit growth path
Additional restaurants require $25,000 initial franchise fee each. Training for subsequent units varies by franchisee needs and experience; on-site opening assistance not required beyond first unit. Transfer fees apply for ownership changes.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
Personal Equity
Franchisees typically fund via lump sum payments for fees, equipment, and improvements.
SBA Loans
Common for QSR franchises; covers working capital, build-out within $275,500-$770,500 range.
Landlord Incentives
Average $44,000 tenant improvement allowance nets against leasehold costs.
Equipment Leasing
Third-party financing for fixtures and furniture arranged as incurred.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Week 1: Inquiry and Application
Submit application; pay initial franchise fee upon signing Franchise Agreement.
Weeks 2-3: FDD Review Period
Receive and review Franchise Disclosure Document; 14-day federal holding period applies.
Weeks 4-8: Site Selection and Design
Secure site; engage architect, contractor for leasehold improvements estimated $104,000-$370,000.
Weeks 9-12: Build-Out and Equipment
Procure fixtures, equipment ($131,500-$184,000), signage ($5,000-$22,000); pay grand opening contribution.
Weeks 13-15: Training and Inventory
Attend initial training; acquire opening inventory ($5,500-$17,000); on-site assistance begins.
Week 16: Opening
Launch with $10,000 minimum grand opening marketing; ongoing royalty and marketing fees commence.
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Take the assessmentCommon questions
How much does a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise cost?
Initial franchise fee is $35,000; total investment ranges $275,500 to $770,500 for end-cap or in-line locations.
What is the initial investment for Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
Estimates include $104,000-$370,000 leasehold improvements, $131,500-$184,000 equipment, plus fees and 3 months working capital.
What are Tropical Smoothie Cafe royalty fees?
6% of Gross Sales; additional 5-6% to national marketing fund.
Does Tropical Smoothie Cafe have Item 19 financial performance?
Yes; historical Net Revenues for 1,431 full-year restaurants as of 2025 range $270,301-$3,386,973, with 45% above average.
What training does Tropical Smoothie Cafe provide?
Initial program for first unit plus 5 days on-site opening assistance; ongoing support includes field visits and operational guidance.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe vs Smoothie King franchise?
Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers broader menu with food items; investment $275,500-$770,500 vs Smoothie King's varying ranges per FDD.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise reviews from owners?
Item 19 discloses historical revenues from 1,431 units; individual results vary by location and experience.
Can veterans get Tropical Smoothie Cafe discounts?
Qualified veterans pay reduced $17,500 initial franchise fee for first and subsequent units.
How many Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations are there?
1,651 total restaurants as of 2025, with 1,431 reporting full-year Net Revenues.
What support does Tropical Smoothie Cafe offer multi-unit owners?
$25,000 fee per additional unit; training varies by experience, no required on-site assistance beyond first.
Is financing available for Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
No direct franchisor financing; common paths include SBA loans, equipment leasing, landlord TI allowances.