After successfully building a healthy beverage empire in Houston and surrounding areas, a local husband and wife team and longtime franchisees have signed a deal with their franchisor for rights to sell and support the Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies franchise throughout the entire state of Texas. The director of Regional Support Agreement essentially allows the franchisee to become an extension of the company headquarters; handing down the reigns of franchise sales and operations in the Lone Star State to Houston-based franchisees Rob and Jean McLean.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a leading global concessionaire of all-natural, fresh fruit smoothies combined with gourmet Hawaiian coffees, currently has 200 franchisees operating more than 450 units around the world. The McLeans became directors of Regional Support in 2013 for the city of Houston but have expanded their region to now include all of Texas. Company executives say the McLean’s track record of success with the brand makes them ideal partners to continue growth of the brand through all channels including retail locations, entertainment venues, and nontraditional outlets throughout Texas.
“Rob and Jean have proven to be dedicated and loyal leaders in our system, using their momentum and growth to influence the franchisees around them,” says Mike Weinberger, CEO of Maui Wowi Hawaiian. “For nearly a decade we have been proud to call the McLeans members of the Maui Wowi ‘ohana, and we are honored to call them partners. Continuing to create opportunities with our most dedicated franchisees is an integral part of our culture.”
Since 2006, the McLeans have expanded their local franchise to 13 Maui Wowi Hawaiian carts and a food truck, operating in major venues including NRG Park, TDECU Stadium at the University of Houston, and multiple area festivals and community events. Directors of Regional Support play a large role in mentoring fellow franchisees, coaching potential franchisees through the application and approval process, providing ongoing support to existing franchisees, and helping them break into major event and entertainment venues.
With 49 Maui Wowi Hawaiian units already across Texas, there remains tremendous potential for continued growth of both new and existing franchisees.
“Every successful business starts with a great product. We believe strongly in the quality of Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s products and in their mission of offering healthier beverage items at entertainment venues,” says Jean McLean. “Texas is a huge state with dozens upon dozens of sports teams, festivals, and opportunities for standing retail locations. Since we couldn’t possibly operate the entire state ourselves, we’re excited to help other entrepreneurs launch their own successful Maui Wowi Hawaiian franchises.”
The McLeans joined the Maui Wowi Hawaiian ‘ohana nine years ago with just three carts selling coffee and smoothies at the local swim meets. After securing contracts with more venues, the pair has been able to set up shop at events like the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, NCAA Basketball Final Four games, Monster Truck rallies, and concerts by the likes of KISS, Luke Bryan, and Garth Brooks. In fact, in less than a decade the McLeans have added 10 more carts, and in 2014 they bought a food truck to add to their growing Maui Wowi fleet.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian serves premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh fruit smoothies and gourmet Hawaiian coffee at its locations across the country. From mobile carts and kiosks in high-traffic venues to fixed retail locations, Maui Wowi Hawaiian continues to bring unique drinks to the people, such as Midnight Kona, a dark roast premium Kona blend coffee and the Orchard Peach smoothie, both offered for a limited time this summer.
