Smoothie King Franchises Inc. reported a same-store sales increase of 10.3 percent for the third quarter, up nearly 5 percent for the year over 2012. Sales were driven primarily by the brand's new Pure Recharge energy smoothie, which Smoothie King introduced in its more than 650 stores worldwide in July.

Additionally, during the first two weeks of October, same-store sales were up 17 percent. Under Global CEO Wan Kim, Smoothie King is experiencing growth with the opening of 34 stores through the third quarter of 2013 and the signing of 75 new franchise agreements. Smoothie King is on track to open an additional 25 locations by the end of the year.

"Smoothie King is now celebrating being in its fourth consecutive year of positive same-store sales, a testament to not only our variety of high-quality smoothies, vitamins, supplements, and healthy snacks, but also the commitment of our franchisees to helping our guests live an active and healthier lifestyle," Kim says. "With a more than 23-percent increase in same-store sales since the start of 2009, this success is attracting more potential franchisees then we've ever had before, further driving development in both new and existing markets."

Smoothie King plans to add 1,000 new franchised and corporate locations domestically over the next five years to complement its existing base of more than 650 locations. The brand has smoothie franchise opportunities available in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions, as well as Texas and Oklahoma. Smoothie King also continues to expand internationally through both master franchise and corporate stores in South Korea, Singapore, and the Cayman Islands, and will focus on identifying partners in several key countries in Asia and the Middle East.