Jamba, Inc. announced current franchisee, SuSu Hospitality Group, LLC, has acquired 13 company-owned stores and signed a 10-unit development agreement, to nearly double Jamba’s footprint in the Chicago market.

“Jamba accelerated its shift to an asset-light, franchise focused business model in 2014 to create shareholder value,” says Dave Pace, president and chief executive officer of Jamba, Inc. “When I started as CEO last year, we identified the Chicago market as the final step necessary to complete that journey. With today’s announcement, I am pleased to share the asset light transition is substantially complete.”

Pace says, “It was important to find the right partner to continue our growth in Chicago. SuSu Hospitality Group shares our mission to inspire and simplify healthy living and has a proven track record of operating excellence, making them an ideal partner.”

SuSu Hospitality Group, LLC is an incubator, investor and operator of extraordinary food concepts. With the acquisition of 13 stores complete, SuSu Hospitality Group, LLC now franchises 15 Jamba Juice locations across Illinois and Ohio.

“We are delighted to expand our market presence and strengthen our relationship with the Jamba brand,” said Sunil Bedi, Chief Executive Officer of SuSu Hospitality Group, LLC. “Jamba’s fresh, hand-crafted blends offer guests convenient, great tasting and nutritious options that complement the active lifestyle in Chicago. We look forward to the long-term growth of Jamba in this market,” says Suchita Bedi, president of SuSu Hospitality Group, LLC.

Jamba is currently awarding domestic and international franchise opportunities.