TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ

Item 7 lays out the upfront commitment: initial investment spans $300,000 to $720,500, with a $35,000 franchise fee kicking things off. Ongoing fees include a 6% royalty, 5% brand/ad fund, and monthly tech charges totaling $387 ($179 BOH, $30 online ordering, $103 firewall, $75 loyalty). Item 19 shines brightly here, disclosing average gross revenue of $979,491 and median $944,699—strong figures for fast-casual, suggesting solid top-line potential before expenses. With only 1 corporate location among 1,371 total, the system's maturity supports scalability for multi-unit operators eyeing better-for-you trends.

Growth tells a bullish tale: from 1,197 locations in 2022 to 1,371 in 2023, a 15% jump signaling robust demand. SBA data bolsters confidence—150 loans averaging $238,995 with a mere 2.7% default rate, far below industry averages, easing entry for qualified buyers. Yet 84 terminations and litigation over terminated area deals, breach claims, and fraud allegations warrant scrutiny; these frictions could signal operational pressures. For investors, the combo of disclosed revenues, financing ease, and expansion momentum positions Tropical Smoothie Café as a vibrant contender, but dig into local market saturation and unit-level profitability to confirm if it smoothies out for you.