Entrepreneur magazine ranked Smoothie King among the top 25 brands in its annual Franchise 500 list, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing franchise companies. As the leading smoothie brand, Smoothie King ranked 22 overall, up from last year’s ranking of 35, and is the top among its competitors, as the only juice bar franchise in the top 50.

The 2019 Franchise 500 is Entrepreneur’s 40th annual ranking of top national franchises. Compiling outstanding franchises across all industries into one reliable list, the Franchise 500 is regarded as highly comprehensive, with rank based on a variety of factors, including financial strength, growth rate, stability and overall size.

“We achieved great things in 2018 — opening our 1,000th store, moving and expanding our headquarters, and transforming our menu to inspire people to live healthy and active lifestyles,” says Smoothie King owner and CEO Wan Kim. “Everything we do is with a focus on our franchisees, so we are proud to be included among the strongest, fastest-growing franchise brands.”

Smoothie King was the first smoothie brand in the country. It continues to set the pace for the industry, opening 106 locations in 2018, more than in any single year in its 45-year history. Smoothie King also achieved record systemwide sales of over $435 million and anticipates another record year in 2019. Despite rapid growth, the company remains true to its founding mission and devoted 2018 to advancing its Cleaner Blending initiative, a menu evolution that included adding more whole fruits and vegetables, removing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from all its smoothies and offering many smoothies without added sugar.

“Our success is rooted in our passion for what we do,” adds Kim. “Our entire team believes in the Smoothie King mission, which sets us apart from other franchisers.”