In her role as Chief Development Officer, Cheryl drives the brands franchise development sales, real estate and design and construction. Because of our amazing guests, our franchisees, and the communities they serve, including those on the front lines of this pandemic, we will get through this. ATLANTA, July 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual cafe franchise known for both its better-for-you smoothies and food with a . Right now we have a BLT quesadilla. Are there misconceptions about smoothies you want cleared up? So I think theres a misconception with some brands that, for example a Slurpee, its not at all a Slurpee, its absolutely whole real fruit, ice, water, very basic items. Youre paying for a premium product. What was your plan for the first 90 days? Prior to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Mark served as Chief Marketing Officer with Floor Coverings International where he was responsible for driving the brands digital transformation and leadership position in service-based franchising. Were implementing a new point-of-sale system that acts as a hub and enables all third-party delivery, white label delivery, online ordering, etc. Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe was a recent attendee at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas. Paul Marsden oversees development and execution of financial strategies to support the companys business plans. You know, this is terrible, but Ive never gone through a pandemic before obviously, and I would have to say Im pretty pleased I think we did a very nice job during 2020, we opened 99 new restaurants. ", Charles Watson was named CEO in December 2018. Knowing that those essential workers are not only in the healthcare fields, weve also extended our giving to grocery store, warehouse and post office employees. As their franchise website states: "Tropical Smoothie Cafes menu boasts bold, flavorful smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made-to-order with quality ingredients. in December 2018. We want to capture both the head and the heart of our consumers. The fact that nearly 60% of all new Tropical Smoothie Cafe units are opened by existing franchisees underscores the franchise owner's satisfaction with the concept, the company, and it's leadership. 770-580-2333 Here are some highlights of their conversation about his franchise business. 5 free lookups per month. Early in his career, Mark served the franchise industry as a supplier, delivering innovative technology-enabled marketing strategies to help emerging franchise concepts rapidly scale and grow revenue through local-level marketing and sales. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. menu boasts bold, flavorful smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made-to-order with quality ingredients. The Version table provides details related to the release that this issue/RFE will be addressed. NET WORTH * LIQUID CAPITAL/CASH AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENT * *All fields required. Prior to being named CEO in 2018, Charles served as the chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. 5 Questions with Tropical Smoothie CEO Charles Watson. Our consumers really like our food. Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota (File No. Beyond just smoothies, we serve better-for-you wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads, and pride ourselves on living at the "intersection of taste, convenience, and hospitality." It is for information purposes only. Excludes non-traditional locations and Restaurants that were not open for at least 357 days in 2021. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of franchise development, real estate, design and construction and franchise administration and helped grow the system from 265 open units to 725 open units. I think the greatest thing you can do in life is serve others and reap the reward of knowing youve done something good for someone else. The companys goal is to open 1,500 cafes or more by the year 2024. Based on our fiscal year ending 12/26/2021 and includes 768 Restaurants that were open for at least 12 months as of 12/26/2021. My predecessor did a great job, so most of the hesitancy candidly was, "will this guy be as good, will we have the same amount of success?" I have a little bit sweeter palate. When I became CEO, I launched a formal franchisee advisory council, known in our organization as the Tropical Franchisee Council (TFC). If its not run-of-the-mill bland food, we want to bring a little bit of a culinary experience to quick casual, and still provide convenience, and value, and all those kinds of things. Here's how CEO Charles Watson did it. What is the mission and goal of the company over the next few years? Charles Watson is currently an Atlanta-based correspondent for Fox News Mediacovering the southeastern portion of the United States. Communicate deeply. I write about the franchising, restaurant and food services industry. In July 2018, I was named interim CEO, and then permanent in December 2018.". This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Areas we wanted to attack immediately with our rapid growth were direct franchisee support as well as technology support and menu innovation. Under his leadership, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe system grew from 265 open units to 725 open units. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. We find that real fruits, veggies, and juices just taste better.". I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about supporting the franchise system's . If your Franchised Business includes a drive-thru, the additional expense (including the cost of leasehold improvements, restaurant fixtures and equipment, and other costs) would be approximately $35,000 to $45,000. Those interested in becoming a franchisee should have $125,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $350,000. ATLANTA, Nov. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the fast-growing national franchise brand known for its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical . Although I did not want to focus on COVID-19 in this interview, it is difficult to ignore its impact on the restaurant community as well as franchisees in general. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Watson: "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 850 locations in 44 states. So Ive got to get them in while I can. As CEO, Watsons goal is to achieve $1 billion in sales and more than 1,500 cafes by 2023. What are some of your interests outside of work? We loved the idea so much we launched a nationwide campaign to donate 100,000 smoothies across the country and the response has been incredible. Thatll come down over time, but were going to open 130 cafes on top of that. Players MAY win multiple prizes in a. As a restaurant executive, hospitality should be in your blood. Early in his career, Mark served the franchise industry as a supplier, delivering innovative technology-enabled marketing strategies to help emerging franchise concepts rapidly scale and grow revenue through local-level marketing and sales. Amid all the pandemic news and stories of how the foodservice business is coping with the crisis, I thought I'd attempt to redirect our attention today, even if only for a short while. Over the next five years, our goals are to reach 1,500 cafes open across the U.S., with over 18% profitability for our franchisees on average volumes in excess of $1M, all with very high operational satisfaction for our guests. Franchising offers multiple benefits to a business as a whole. There is no assurance that you will do as well. At the end of the day, we are a restaurant company and how great our food and smoothies are determines [success]. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of franchise development, real estate, design and construction and franchise administration and helped grow the system from 265 open units to 725 open units. We figured a good person to ask might be the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Charles Watson. Vice President Franchise Development. One of the biggest expenses seen in the income statement is $12 million spent in . cincinnati fence company llc SERVICE. "Relationships Rule" is one of our core values, and because of that, people are at the heart of our company. Charles Watson has been the CEO since . I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In response to a question about the culture of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Watson elaborated: The mission of Tropical Smoothie Cafe is to inspire a healthier lifestyle. It's tropic time. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. It is, however, a "darn good chaser," he said and . Michael Lapid joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in October of 2019 to the role of Chief Information and Digital Officer. Skip to main content Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. In 2018, when I was named CEO, we had more than 720 locations open nationwide. Based on our fiscal year ending 12/26/2021 and includes 768 Restaurants that were open for at least 12 months as of 12/26/2021. The role employees play in setting the customer experience in the restaurant. Atlanta, GA 30338 It is for information purposes only. The impact of the more formalized committees we have set up, and the close connection I have with TFC has gotten the system more comfortable with my style and thinking, and I believe, since trust is earned, I still have a long way to go, but am off to a good start. Our relationships are founded on trust and respect for the unique talents of our teams, franchisees, and vendors alike. Next year marks 25 years since the brands founding. That created a kind of blueprint that served as the foundation for me to take the reins and lead the company the way I felt was best. Mark serves on the board of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. Because sure, the smoothies sell well and all, but did you know about the Chipotle Chicken Club flatbread sandwich? charles watson tropical smoothie net worth . And so I think were right on pace. It hopes to keep all its new customers. If you don't have a Tropical Smoothie Cafe near your home yet, just wait a bit. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Charles is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and holds a Master of Business Administration from The Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. The guests who support local businesses in and around their communities are the ones we give the credit to because their loyalty to our cafes is what has ultimately maintained our ability to serve. Our annual tactics are focused around delivering those results.". So its getting involved with charity partners. Yes, I am putting my mark on the brand and culture, but I have been around long enough not to stray too far from the DNA of the brand.". Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, said, "It's inspiring to be part of the growth that Tropical Smoothie Cafe has . How are we purpose-driven? And were rolling that out under our tagline of Inspire Better. Its only here until August. Prior to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Mark served as Chief Marketing Officer with Floor Coverings International where he was responsible for driving the brands digital transformation and leadership position in service-based franchising. Without our franchisees, committees, and council, I simply could not do this job. Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about supporting the franchise system's sustainable growth, the success of its franchisees, and the execution of the brand's Inspire Better mission. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place for hundreds more locations in the pipeline and is on track to meet Charles aggressive goal to hit 1,500 locations by the end of 2024. Its not just: We have snacks! We have a full-on robust kitchen thats preparing fresh products. Watson:"I wanted to further instill a franchisee-first mentality. Weve been in partnership with them for over 10 years now. Whats your favorite cuisine outside of Tropical Smoothie? Over the years, weve learned that our innovative and versatile menu, featuring a wide variety of food items in addition to smoothies, has brought tremendous success to our brand and to our incredible franchisees. . Really trying to understand how to see the world through a different stakeholders' eyes is something I still work on.". And was one in place already? Our company sells about 200 franchises, opens over 120 cafes a year, and has more than 500 locations in the pipeline. I love a good pot roast with mashed potatoes, green beans and corn. Occhiogrosso: What is the mission and goal of the company over the next few years? All of this information may look daunting, yet . Over the next five years, our goals are to reach 1,500 cafes open across the U.S., with over 18% profitability for our franchisees on average volumes in excess of $1M, all with very high operational satisfaction for our guests. Watson: Our franchisees are the heart of our brand, so we wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could to help them stay afloat through the crisis.

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