After several years of laying low, smoothie franchise Robeks finished 2013 with a burst of activity, announcing plans to bring the brand to Philadelphia as well as New York City, with more expansion on the horizon.
Robeks, which has about 100 stores nationwide, will open its first store in Philadelphia in spring 2014 and has plans for up to 37 locations in the area. The smoothie franchise is also moving into Manhattan for the first time, with 11 locations in the works.
“Robeks is growing quickly thanks to new partners who are eager to bring healthy options to their communities, as well as existing franchisees who are adding stores,” says Robeks CEO, Steve Davidson. “The opportunity is huge for businesses that help people live better, healthier lives.”
Growing health consciousness has been a boon for Robeks, which has seen 22 consecutive months of same-store sales growth.
Since 1996, Robeks has aimed to make it easy for people to eat healthy. Robeks smoothies and juices are made using whole fruits and vegetables, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Robeks posts full nutritional information about its menu items. The smoothie franchise’s speed also makes it popular—blending and juicing takes a minute or two, which allows Robeks to provide each customer smoothies and juices full of live enzymes.
The growing health food market, combined with the endorsement of educated consumers, created an opportunity for Robeks to continue to expand, and the company is actively seeking new franchise partners.
“Companies that can deliver healthy foods fast are poised to win,” Davidson says. “People want food that’s healthy and convenient. People who provide it can make a big difference in their community, and make good money doing it.”