Juice It Up! announced same-store first quarter sales increased 5 percent over Q1 the previous year. The chain also maintained average unit volume (AUV) across the board. This marks Juice It Up!’s fifth consecutive growth quarter, despite continuing declines throughout the restaurant industry overall.

The five percent SSS increase achieved in Q1 is a result of a variety of factors, including continued demand by consumers wanting fresh and healthy ingredients, along with the launch of Juice It Up!’s brand new Cold Pressed Bottled Juice line. The line features six great-tasting flavors sold individually and available in Wellness packs, ideal for a one- to three-day cleanse. Also, attributing to the strong financials were the nine new franchised locations that opened in 2016 through Q1 of 2017, bringing the chain wide total to 89 units operating across four states.

“With more than 20 years in the game, Juice It Up! has carved out a solid position in the $2.2 billion raw juice and smoothie industry, and is poised for significant growth as the segment continues to attract consumers who are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle,” says Frank Easterbrook, Juice It Up! CEO. “With roots planted firmly in the raw juice culture, we’ve developed a proven model that enables our franchise partners to experience continuous gains while catering to the nutritional wants and needs of a growing population.”