With Smoothie King now eclipsing 1,400 locations and continuing to grow in key markets, it’s essential that the brand continues to innovate to help drive revenue for its franchisees. Innovation comes in many forms and can help improve profitability for Smoothie King locations by ensuring that we are meeting and exceeding guests’ expectations for new, high-quality products.

When building Smoothie King’s menu, the team is constantly focused on innovating to develop new and unique offerings. In fact, Smoothie King started its innovation best practices by creating the brand’s purpose-driven menu. The purpose-driven menu directly correlates to the demand of today’s consumer, which helps Smoothie King’s franchisees drive revenue across several dayparts and even during times when smoothies aren’t traditionally consumed.

At Smoothie King, we develop smoothies for a specific category. Our Get Fit Blends, Be Well Blends, Manage Weight Blends, etc. all have a specific purpose and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives or anything else on the no-no list. Smoothie King will continue to innovate our menu to ensure we are meeting today’s consumer expectations.

Meeting Expectations of Today’s Consumer Demand

Consumer preferences have shifted greatly over the last few years. The pandemic presented a number of unforeseen challenges and restaurants had to quickly adapt from supply chain and staffing shortages, surges in demand for takeout and delivery, and increased demand for online ordering.

Not only has Smoothie King addressed these challenges head on and adapted to meet evolving consumer preferences, but the brand has also chosen to evolve its menu to incorporate seasonal, trending, and health-conscious menu options.

Most recently, Smoothie King rolled out its Fall LTO pumpkin flavored smoothies and espresso and cold brew smoothies. These recent additions are prime examples of Smoothie King’s continuous innovation to ensure the brand is delivering options for customers seeking different and flavorful selections. Adding new options to Smoothie King’s menu builds excitement with new and loyal customers and ultimately drives sales for our franchisees. Smoothie King will continue to innovate to ensure our menu matches the expectations of today’s consumer.

Driving Sales Across Dayparts

Smoothie King recognizes that consumers seek smoothies for different reasons. Some want an afternoon pick-me-up and others are looking for meal replacements. Using data as the guide, Smoothie King continues to integrate new options into its menu to help drives sales across dayparts and build AUV’s for our franchise owners.

Smoothies have different purposes for different people and Smoothie King recognizes this by offering vegan, D-Lite, keto and Slim-N-Trim smoothies, giving options to meet every guest’s needs. By offering different blends for different purposes, consumers can drink a smoothie for their purpose – whether it’s for a sweet treat pick-me-up or for a meal replacement.

For example, Smoothie King’s ‘Manage Weight’ smoothies are reduced sugar smoothies and packed with whole fruits, organic vegetables and enough protein to replace a meal, containing no added sugar. Specific items include:

• Slim-N-Trim™: Made with fewer calories to help guests crush their goals and set their sights on the next one, this smoothie has under 250 calories in a 20-ounce serving with at least 14 grams of protein. Available in five flavors – Blueberry, Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and Veggie.
• Metabolism Boost®: Contains naturally derived green tea extract to boost metabolism and has under 280 calories in a 20-ounce with at least 16 grams of protein. Available in three flavors – Strawberry Pineapple, Banana Passion Fruit and Mango Ginger – and is an excellent source of both fiber and protein.
• Keto Champ™: Made for guests following the keto diet, the Keto Champ™ has less than 9 net carbs in a 20-ounce and is a great breakfast or lunch option. Available in three flavors – Berry, Chocolate and Coffee.

Additionally, customers can now add cold brew coffee or espresso to any smoothie of your choice. Customers can also choose espresso or cold brew coffee smoothie blends. This menu evolution continues to drive more customers looking to get their caffeine fix and has helped increase morning sales.

To read more about Smoothie King’s recent menu innovation, please read the recent article from Fast Casual.