EY today announced that Scott Pressly, chairman and chief strategic officer of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, is a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Award in the Southeast. The awards program, which is celebrating its 31st year, recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges, award winners will be announced at a special gala on June 8 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
Pressly has been recognized for his efforts in leading the transformation of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, from a regional concept into one of the fastest growing franchise brands in the country. Prior to Pressly’s purchase of a controlling interest in the brand, the chain had 250 franchised locations and was growing by 15 units per year. Under Pressly’s leadership, the award-winning brand has more than doubled its unit count to nearly 600 locations nationwide and has expanded to 41 states. In 2017, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is on track to open more than 100 stores and sign more than 175 new franchise development agreements.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in the Southeast,” says Pressly. “I share this recognition with the entire Tropical Smoothie Cafe organization. It is the collective effort of our team that has allowed us to tap the true potential of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe brand. Looking ahead, I believe we are just getting started in achieving our goal of surpassing 2,500 locations in the U.S.”
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 18. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
