Tropical Smoothie Cafe Celebrates its 300th Location With its Fort Myers Grand Opening
April 28, 2011 // Franchising.com // FORT MYERS, Fla. – Known for real fruit smoothies and specialty sandwiches, wraps and flatbreads with an island twist, Tropical Smoothie Café is excited to announce its 300th store, with the grand opening of its first Fort Myers location on April 29, 2011. Tropical Smoothie Café opened the doors of its first franchise in Tallahassee, Florida back in 1997, providing a healthy alternative to typical fast food options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The tropical setting embraces the island way of life, exuding its "tropitude" for loyal guests.
"Our growth has been steady from the start and we are thrilled to hit this incredible milestone," says Mike Rotondo, Tropical Smoothie Café Chief Operating Officer.
"The opening of our 300th location offers a chance to celebrate each franchise and pay recognition to the decisions made along the way."
Even during the past years of economic downturn, Tropical Smoothie Café powered through to keep the brand strong with the help of existing franchise owners. Many franchisees became multi-unit owners, opening locations in new areas continuing its success and growth. This year, Tropical Smoothie Cafés continues to flourish as the company expects to double the number of store openings from last year.
The Fort Myers Tropical Smoothie Café franchisees are multi-unit franchise owners themselves---Andrew and Terri Jessen currently oversee eight locations in Southwest Florida.
"We love the Tropical Smoothie Café brand and are honored to host the 300th store celebration," says Andrew Jessen. "The brand is known for its healthy, delicious menu and we are excited to bring Tropical Smoothie Café to Ft. Myers." The new store is located at 9377 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Suite 100, in Fort Myers and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and drive thru open until midnight each night. Special offers include the change to win free smoothie for a year by texting "berry" to 30364. Winners will be announced after the Grand Opening. Contributions to fund-raising efforts for the company's chosen charity, Camp Sunshine, begin immediately. </p><h2>About Tropical Smoothie Cafe</h2><p>́ Founded in Destin, Fla., in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café is in a niche category of the quick service restaurant industry providing diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The company offers made to order toasted wraps, grilled flatbreads, bistro sandwiches and gourmet salads, while continuing to provide consumers with a variety of high-quality real fruit smoothies. Tropical Smoothie Café includes dine-in, take-out or catering menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, available through online ordering. Ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the fastest growing franchises of 2010, the chain celebrates 300 locations nationwide this year. For more information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com or call 888-292-2522.
In 2008, Tropical Smoothie Café joined fundraising efforts with national charity partner Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Casco, Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Tropical Smoothie Café created the holiday, National Flip Flop Day, on the third Friday of June to raise awareness to Camp Sunshine. The first 500 loyal customers wearing flip flops are rewarded with a free Jetty Punch on this day with all donations received going towards the national charity partner. To date, the company has donated $700,000 to the cause and plans to raise over $1,000,000 by the end of this year. Nationwide, franchisees execute community fundraising events prior to National Flip Flop Day and donations are collected year-round at www.NationalFlipFlopDay.com.
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