Franchise of the Week: Smoothie King & a Resale for Only $125K**

Hey Empire Builders, Welcome to this week’s Franchise Empire Newsletter, where we share specific franchise opportunities that we think are interesting and examples of everyday folks building their empires.

Today, in 5 minutes or less:

✔ A Strong Resale for Only $125K**

✔ Should you open a smoothie shop franchise? (Sales, Costs, & Fees)

✔ From Corporate to Community Impact: Jonathan’s Leap into Franchising

✔ The Conversation That Could Save You $300K

✔ Is this $200k Donut Shop Worth it? (Dunkin' Costs, Sales, & Fees)

**Sales are non-verified information provided by the franchise Owner. The data provided has NOT been verified by the source; they should treat the values as approximated values. Buyer is encouraged to independently verify the financial information and asking price supplied by the Seller.

Attention Franchise Buyers:

For those of you who are struggling to find the right franchise, or maybe you’ve worked with a broker or consultant and haven’t had success…

We now offer complimentary access to our proprietary Zero to Profitable Franchise™ system to help you get access to the most proven franchises and reduce your risk, so that you can buy a money-making franchise with confidence and PROTECT YOUR ASSETS. 

This is exclusively available for franchise buyers that want to work with our team in a brokerage capacity to find, vet, and launch a money-making franchise.

You can schedule a free consultation with our team to see if you qualify and if we are the right fit to work with each other.

You can do that here https://www.franchiseempire.com/ztpf

Franchise resales possess many benefits for aspiring business owners – established cash flow, experienced employees, systems in place, and brand awareness, to name a few. 

• Home Services business
• Asking Price: $125,000**
• Gross revenue prior year: 746,000**
• SDE $41,895**
• In business since 2015
  

**Revenue, or any financial numbers, is non-verified information provided by the franchise Owner. The data provided has NOT been verified by the franchisor. You should treat the values as approximated values. Buyer is encouraged to independently verify the financial information and asking price supplied by the Seller.

• A proven model allows the owner to focus on team leadership, business culture, and customer satisfaction, while integrated systems handle scheduling, billing, and operations.
  
  
• Skilled Team in Place: Experienced and well-trained employees are ready to support a smooth transition, maintaining the business’s strong culture centered around people, growth, and community.
  
  
• Step into ownership of a well-established, market-leading lifestyle business that operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., no nights or weekends required.

Curious to learn more about this particular franchise resale, or other resales available in your area?

We have a list of over 100+ resales with various brands spanning the United States and Canada. Click the link below to find out what specific opportunities are available in your area.

Smoothie King’s story began in 1973 in Louisiana, when founder Steve Kuhnau started experimenting with blended fruit drinks to manage his food allergies. His creations would eventually spark an entirely new category; he’s often credited with coining the very word “smoothie.”

From that small start, Smoothie King pioneered the modern smoothie bar concept, building a following around the idea of fueling active, healthy lifestyles long before it became mainstream. The brand grew steadily across the U.S., later expanding internationally and becoming one of the most recognized names in blended beverages.

In 2012, a former franchisee, Wan Kim, purchased the brand, a rare and inspiring turnaround from owner-operator to global CEO. His leadership drove massive growth, modernized the brand’s image, and propelled international expansion.

Today, Smoothie King is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, serves as the official smoothie partner of the Dallas Cowboys, and operates 1,201 total locations, 1,149 franchised and 52 company-owned. Having that many corporate locations allows the brand to test new systems, products, and technology before rolling them out to franchisees. So, let's see what it takes to own a smoothie shop of your own.

*You should treat the values as approximated values. These values were found online through research.

• Total Units: 1,201 (1,149 franchised, 52 company-owned)
• Total Investment Range:
  • Inline / Endcap Investment: $346,000 - $679,000
  • Freestanding / Drive-Thru Investment: $661,000 - $1.2 million
• Franchise Fee: $25,000 - $30,000
• Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
• Marketing Fee: 3% of gross sales
• Technology Fee: $200 per month

• Health & Wellness Minded: Believes in promoting active, healthy lifestyles, the core of Smoothie King’s mission.
  
  
• Business or Operations Experience: Background in management, retail, food, or multi-unit operations is helpful, but not required. Must be comfortable leading a team and running a customer-facing operation.
  
  
• Community-Driven Leaders: Want to build relationships with schools, gyms, wellness groups, and local customers, not just run transactions.
  
  
• Strategic Thinker: Understands competitive markets and is thoughtful about site selection, staffing, marketing, and long-term expansion.

*Information below taken from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document – Item 19 

Benefits for the Franchisee:

• Recognized Category Leader: One of the longest-standing and best-known smoothie brands in the U.S., established over 50 years ago.
  
  
• Corporate-Tested Systems: With 52 company-owned stores, the franchisor pilots innovations before rolling them out to franchisees, reducing risk.
  
  
• Diverse Formats: Inline, endcap, and freestanding options allow owners to tailor investments and include drive-thru capability for higher volume.
  
  
• Built to Scale: Many owners expand into multiple locations due to system support, consistent demand, and long-term brand stability.
  
  
• Positioned in a Booming Industry: The U.S. wellness market continues to expand, making Smoothie King a lifestyle-aligned concept with long-term relevance.

To see if this franchise is available in your territory OR Check the availability of ALL franchises in your area

Episode #149: The Conversation That Could Save You $300K

Buying a franchise is a life investment, but most people never ask the questions that actually protect them. In this episode, we break down the critical questions you must ask a franchisor before signing, how to spot red flags early, and what separates smart franchise buyers from those who regret it later. You’ll also learn how to keep your “why” front and center, avoid emotional burnout, and approach the process like a true entrepreneur.

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Podcast Platforms

Episode #150: Is this $200k Donut Shop Worth it? (Dunkin' Costs, Sales, & Fees)

Ever seen a Snap-On Tools truck and wondered how that business actually works? In this video, we break down the Snap-On Tools franchise model in detail, from its 100-year history and unique mobile store concept to startup costs, in-house financing options, and what franchisees are really earning. You’ll learn how Snap-On makes money without traditional royalties, what the startup investment looks like, and the real sales data revealed in their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Podcast Platforms

That’s a wrap for this week’s Franchise Empire newsletter. 

Feel free to reply with any questions, or feedback. I appreciate and value your time and attention.

I’ll see you at the same time next week!

-Tariq and The Franchise Empire Team