Tropical Smoothie Cafe in milestone mid-year store growth

Tropical Smoothie Cafe remains on the fast-track for expansion.

In what it called record mid-year numbers, the fast-casual brand fueled development by signing 139 franchise agreements in prime markets across the U.S., including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City. It opened its 1,100th location midway through 2022, in Charlotte.

Tropical Smoothie has continued to grow its footprint with operators already in the franchise system, with existing franchisees making up a majority of the executed franchise agreements through Q2 year-to-date. The company also expanded into the airport space this year, opening a location at the newly expanded Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, in partnership with airport concessionaire Paradies Lagardère.

"Our aggressive and strategic growth has continued nationwide and it is exciting to see the milestones we've achieved already in the first half of 2022," said Cheryl Fletcher, chief development officer of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. "Seeing triple-digit signed agreements and 85 new locations open is a testament to our strong model and incredible franchisees who are eager to share our brand with communities across the country."

The company has continued its digital strategy focused on leveraging various activations that reward the brand's loyal guests through promotions and offers on the mobile app. The new Tropic Rewards loyalty program, launched in June, includes an updated point system that is designed to make redeeming points faster and easier.

Members now earn 10 points for every $1 they spend through the app, online or in-cafe, and can redeem their points on their favorite items. They are also the first to know about new promotions and limited-time menu items and will receive special rewards for birthdays and referring friends.