In this role, Mark leads brand, marketing, product, and digital innovations core functions of delivering the remarkable guest experience that drives Tropical Smoothie Cafes success. The most common Tropical Smoothie Cafe email format is [first_initial] [last] (ex. I was lucky enough to work with the founders of the business (and still do as they are board members) as well as work under our first CEO, who did an amazing job. Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Occhiogrosso: What is the mission and goal of the company over the next few years? Prior to that, she spent 22 years at BBDO Worldwide, where she was executive vice president and senior director for the global advertising powerhouse, leading campaign strategy and execution for many large national brands. The guests who support local businesses in and around their communities are the ones we give the credit to because their loyalty to our cafes is what has ultimately maintained our ability to serve. Charles is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and holds a Master of Business Administration from The Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia. And if you do that well, then your top-sellers, sometimes you beat them. Chief Development Officer since 2016, after serving as VP of Franchise Development since 2010. In this role, Mark leads brand, marketing, product, and digital innovations core functions of delivering the remarkable guest experience that drives Tropical Smoothie Cafes success. For the fiscal year 2021, these End-Cap and In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants typically ranged in size from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet. Watson: "Like I said, I was very fortunate to have had already developed relationships with our franchise community prior to becoming CEO. . Total investment for a new cafe opening ranges between $246,500 and $580,500. "I wanted to further instill a franchisee-first mentality. The companys goal is to open 1,500 cafes or more by the year 2024. Your results may differ. For the fiscal year 2021, these End-Cap and In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants typically ranged in size from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet. He's no stranger to franchise development, nor is Charles Watson an outsider, having served four years as the company's Chief Development Officer in addition to his prior role as VP of Franchise Development. Richard Key serves as the Chief Operations Officer, responsible for overseeing the operations team and its support and training of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise community. Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. The brands dedication to Inspire Better in all aspects of the business resonated with me from day one. We set company-wide strategic imperatives around these issues immediately.". Occhiogrosso: What was the condition of the company before you were named CEO? So theres a lot of involvement. The offering is by prospectus only. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. New York State Disclaimer: This advertisement is not an offering. Watson:"We were in a good place! Watson: Our franchisees are the heart of our brand, so we wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could to help them stay afloat through the crisis. And the other misconception, whether you think its uber healthy or not so healthy, is that you, the consumer, the guest have all the choice in the world. *$1,009,803 System Wide Average Net Revenues. Watson discusses how and why the brand has seen a Q3 same-store sales jump of 19.5% during the pandemic Tropical Smoothie Cafe on franchisee success during COVID-19 | Nation's Restaurant News Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Pete served as the Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance/Risk Officer at Popeyes for over 10 years and has extensive experience handling corporate transactions, both in-house and in private practice. 770-580-2333 When our franchisees are successful, the brand is successful. Areas we wanted to attack immediately with our rapid growth were direct franchisee support as well as technology support and menu innovation. Pete Ward advises Tropical Smoothie Cafe on all legal and business matters, including franchising, real estate, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, licensing, and other commercial matters. Watson has more than 10 years of experience with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and led our franchise development efforts since 2010. In a franchise system, without broad franchisee buy-in, you cannot move as efficiently and effectively as is required in today's business environment.". "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is in a perfect position for the future. What sets your smoothies apart from smoothies from competitors? Charles Watson was named CEO in December 2018. Pete Ward advises Tropical Smoothie Cafe on all legal and business matters, including franchising, real estate, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, licensing, and other commercial matters. For the fiscal year 2021, these End-Cap and In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants typically ranged in size from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet. Although I did not want to focus on COVID-19 in this interview, it is difficult to ignore its impact on the restaurant community as well as franchisees in general. See where were looking to grow to meet the incredible demand. Without our franchisees, committees, and council, I simply could not do this job. Smoothie King to Open More Than 100 Stores in 2023 February 3, 2023 Crisp & Green Inks Largest Multi-Unit Deal in Company History with 40 Units Sold February 2, 2023 Dine Brands International Expands with Dual-Brand Locations in the Middle East January 31, 2023 Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200, Atlanta, GA 30338. Atlanta, GA 30338 At the end of the day, we are a restaurant company and how great our food and smoothies are determines [success]. Did you foresee the level of growth the chain has experienced of late? Although COVID-19 has directly impacted our business, some days being down more than 50 percent, we consider ourselves lucky to have a business model that allowed us to easily transition to grab-and-go, curbside, and delivery only. My experience with the brand up to that point was beneficial because I was already very immersed in the operations and processes that had contributed to its success at that time. *$1,009,803 System Wide Average Net Revenues. Its a fantastic organization that weve enjoyed immensely being part of. Theyre not just a snack day part, etc. Knowing that those essential workers are not only in the healthcare fields, weve also extended our giving to grocery store, warehouse and post office employees. Prior to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Mark served as Chief Marketing Officer with Floor Coverings International where he was responsible for driving the brands digital transformation and leadership position in service-based franchising. 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200 Amid all the pandemic news and stories of how the foodservice business is coping with the crisis, I thought I'd attempt to redirect our attention today, even if only for a short while. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Tropical Smoothie Caf's recent momentum isn't just a snowball rolling downhillit's more like a full-on avalanche. So just one shy of 100. The range is based on estimated costs for End-Cap or In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants, which include those located in or at strip style retail shopping centers but does not include drive-thrus. Right next to that is our relationship with our Franchise Owners. Pete Ward advises Tropical Smoothie Cafe on all legal and business matters, including franchising, real estate, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, licensing, and other commercial matters. Mark Montini joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe as Chief Marketing Officer in October 2019. Complete the form or call. Because 99% of Tropical Smoothie Cafe's system is franchisee-owned and operated, it was my goal to maintain consistency for them and move the company forward in the right direction, with a lot of reverence and respect for the past. This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. My job is to serve them. Saturday 31st December 2022 (New Year's Eve) 10:00pm til 4:00am. The success of our brand is about the talent and drive of our talented executives and Support Center team. We figured a good person to ask might be the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Charles Watson. 908-236-0277. So whats your own personal favorite smoothie? SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. Now were really taking the lead from our franchisees and building out DMAs organically from outside them. And the digital guest experience is another way for our customers to use us. TropicalSmoothie.com. Charles Watson CEO. Prior to that, he was named Chief Development Officer in 2015 after serving as VP of Franchise Development since 2010. Watson:"When COVID-19 struck the restaurant landscape in mid-March, we closed all dining rooms and shifted our focus to drive-thru, curbside pickup, and delivery where available. Charles is directly responsible for selling more than 800 franchises during his tenure. Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Richard was the Vice President of Operations, West Division, for Papa Murphys International where he was responsible for field operations and marketing. This information appears in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document. Beyond just smoothies, we serve better-for-you wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads, and pride ourselves on living at the "intersection of taste, convenience, and hospitality." Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, said, "It's inspiring to be part of the growth that Tropical Smoothie Cafe has . Tropical Smoothie Cafe. For me, its about really making sure that those DMAs [distinct market areas] or those different cities are all well represented and well connected so that our brand can compete in those different cities. It was not possible for me to get involved in every project so I had to learn to let go and delegate. . Mark serves on the board of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. A Tropical Smoothie Caf is a better-for-you, fast-casual restaurant business offering freshly prepared food and smoothies served in a fun, friendly environment. Maybe you made somebodys day just 1 percent better; you still had a positive impact. Day-to-day I would say my favorite is the Avocolada Smoothie. Was it a pleasant surprise, expected, or was it a bit of both? Provide product innovation and innovation in general. The impact of the more formalized committees we have set up, and the close connection I have with TFC has gotten the system more comfortable with my style and thinking, and I believe, since trust is earned, I still have a long way to go, but am off to a good start. The range is based on estimated costs for End-Cap or In-Line Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants, which include those located in or at strip style retail shopping centers but does not include drive-thrus. Mark serves on the board of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. In her role as Chief Development Officer, Cheryl drives the brands franchise development sales, real estate and design and construction. 770-580-2333 Tell us a little about your background before joining Tropical Smoothie? CALIFORNIA DISCLAIMER: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Here are some highlights of their conversation about his franchise business. We add some spice to it. charles watson tropical smoothie cafe. . That created a kind of blueprint that served as the foundation for me to take the reins and lead the company the way I felt was best. Yes, I am putting my mark on the brand and culture, but I have been around long enough not to stray too far from the DNA of the brand.". Your results may differ. And thats like: Whos the bad kid in the family! Weve got everything right from Island Green Detox, with zero sugar, and ginger, and everything. Because 99% of Tropical Smoothie Cafe's system is franchisee-owned and operated, it was my goal to maintain consistency for them and move the company forward in the right direction, with a lot of reverence and respect for the past. Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Pete served as the Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance/Risk Officer at Popeyes for over 10 years and has extensive experience handling corporate transactions, both in-house and in private practice. When Charles Watson became the new Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO in 2019, the company claimed that it could be looking at $1 billion in sales in the next five years. Were any of the franchisees reluctant to follow the system or embrace a new direction? Turns out, theres a lot to know about Tropical Smoothie Cafe. A shift leaders hourly wage is an average of $11. We want to capture both the head and the heart of our consumers. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The offering is by prospectus only. I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC How do you see the company moving forward? I was originally a quarterback in high school and had my heart set on the same position for college. Camp Sunshine is a camp for kids and their families that have life-threatening illnesses. So I think theres a misconception with some brands that, for example a Slurpee, its not at all a Slurpee, its absolutely whole real fruit, ice, water, very basic items. So its getting involved with charity partners. So since I like it, and since we love Camp Sunshine, we may see that this fall. In these roles, Charles was responsible for all development of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe brand. . And so I dont know. Our annual tactics are focused around delivering those results.". . As a brand, we strive for excellence in service and creating a culture of hospitality for our business no matter which location you visit, and this year we're prioritizing them even further by enhancing pillars of our hospitality-centric culture and the technology we use to create convenience for our guests in order to reinforce our position as the leader in our segment. If your Franchised Business includes a drive-thru, the additional expense (including the cost of leasehold improvements, restaurant fixtures and equipment, and other costs) would be approximately $35,000 to $45,000. Right now Im on a Mango Berry Cosmo kick. Yeah. "As a first time CEO, learning to view the business from a thinking vs. a doing mentality was a challenge I faced. What are the brands plans for expansion and are you eyeing an international presence? Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. The Version table provides details related to the release that this issue/RFE will be addressed. Michael brings 20 years of foundational IT skills and core functions of digital knowledge critical to shaping our journey to reach guests via innovative technologies. The impact of technology on the restaurant business and how Tropical Smoothie Cafe is adapting to a changing landscape in hospitality. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading national fast-casual cafe concept known for both its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, announces the appointment of Charles Watson as the new Chief Executive Officer. I worked for my father throughout my teenage years, and those years were my first taste of what the industry was all about. In this role, he is responsible for the brand's strategic vision and overall franchise performance. What were the one or two unique challenges that you faced upon taking over as CEO? CALIFORNIA DISCLAIMER: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Total revenues were $58 million while expenses were only $41 million, indicating a healthy profit margin of around 30%. Communicate deeply. Because we want to help with your meal and your food, etc. From there, we set up committees, reporting into our TFC, around the major parts of our business, and included more franchisees to provide feedback and work with us on further improving IT, Marketing, Design, and Construction, etc. And so the way that they impact the communities where they operate is a really big part. Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe was a recent attendee at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas. Prior to that, she spent 22 years at BBDO Worldwide, where she was executive vice president and senior director for the global advertising powerhouse, leading campaign strategy and execution for many large national brands. Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. Successfully taking the reins on an existing franchise company can be a daunting task, but in the case of Charles Watson, he continues, as their franchise website claims, to create waves for a brand that started on the beach. I love a good pot roast with mashed potatoes, green beans and corn. He's no stranger to franchise development, nor is Charles Watson an outsider, having served four years as the company's Chief Development Officer in addition to his prior role as VP of Franchise Development. And theyve been able to do that, which is increased our average unit volume many, many times over the years. Occhiogrosso: How do you see the company moving forward? Previously with Papa Johns International as the Vice President, Global Digital Technology, Michael is a seasoned technology executive with vast engineering and operations expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of digital technology and guest experiences. Early in his career, Mark served the franchise industry as a supplier, delivering innovative technology-enabled marketing strategies to help emerging franchise concepts rapidly scale and grow revenue through local-level marketing and sales. A presentation for a board is focused on very different things than a franchisee roadshow. Any plans for celebrations and promotions around the quarter-century mark? Over the next five years, our goals are to reach 1,500 cafes open across the U.S., with over 18% profitability for our franchisees on average volumes in excess of $1M, all with very high operational satisfaction for our guests. This process only helps our individual franchisees and their bottom line, respectively.". As reopening guidelines are being determined, we plan to move forward with an abundance of caution.". Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. Show them that we care. I think the biggest shift will take place for those restaurants that can't be open right now. If your Franchised Business includes a drive-thru, the additional expense (including the cost of leasehold improvements, restaurant fixtures and equipment, and other costs) would be approximately $35,000 to $45,000. Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson has been with the company for more than 10 years and is passionate about supporting the franchise system's sustainable growth, the success of its franchisees, and the execution of the brand's Inspire Better mission. Watson will lead us through our next phase of strategic growth. Charles Watson is Chief Executive Officer at Tropical Smoothie Cafe Corp. See Charles Watson's compensation, career history, education, & memberships. Occhiogrosso: During the current COVID-19 crisis, what steps have you taken to ensure that Tropical Smoothie Cafe supports the local community? This process only helps our individual franchisees and their bottom line, respectively.". Our company sells about 200 franchises, opens over 120 cafes a year, and has more than 500 locations in the pipeline. *$1,009,803 System Wide Average Net Revenues. Those franchisees are serving our guests on the front lines I can't run this business without their candid feedback.". I may have a trick or two up my sleeve I do get to make some decisions occasionally around here. wills o' nats last of the summer wine. As CEO, Watsons goal is to achieve $1 billion in sales and more than 1,500 cafes by 2023. Michael Lapid joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in October of 2019 to the role of Chief Information and Digital Officer. Start to Finish: What Inspires Execs | September 14, 2022 | QSR Staff. *. Whats your favorite cuisine outside of Tropical Smoothie? Its only here until August. So that was helpful! Well, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, we've got 850 locations in 44 states. What are some of your interests outside of work? It hopes to keep all its new customers. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Always number one, what I am focused on, is unit-level economics for our Franchise Owners. Youre paying for a premium product. CALIFORNIA DISCLAIMER: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. And that really got us down this road of: What is our purpose? The best smoothie in terms of sales actually going on right now is our Mango Berry Cosmo. Watson: "Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 850 locations in 44 states. No credit card required. Michael Lapid joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in October of 2019 to the role of Chief Information and Digital Officer. For me, my entrepreneurial passion really came from my parents. Were right, exactly where It was a little bit of a step back in 2020, but in 2021, our year-to-date comparative sales are [up] almost 30%. I was born with a strong work ethic. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place for hundreds more locations in the pipeline and is on track to meet Charles aggressive goal to hit 1,500 locations by the end of 2024. ATLANTA, July 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual cafe franchise known for both its better-for-you smoothies and food with a . final four 2022 euroleague tickets. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota (File No. What is behind the companys rapid growth and impressive success (which, according to a company spokesperson, sawyear-to-date same-store-sales increase by 38% in recent quarters)? Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place for hundreds more locations in the pipeline and is on track to meet Charles' aggressive goal to hit 1,500 locations by the end of 2024. Net Worth Requirement $350,000 . Tropical Smoothie Cafe Store Managers make an average of $39,252 per year. Luckily in my first two years as CEO, we continued to expand the footprint of the brand, and increase brand awareness, drive profitability for our franchisees and drive our comp sales. Prior to that, she spent 22 years at BBDO Worldwide, where she was executive vice president and senior director for the global advertising powerhouse, leading campaign strategy and execution for many large national brands. Each year, franchisees complete the Franchise Business Review to essentially grade us here at the Support Center on how we're serving them. Please give our readers the "Elevator Pitch" for Tropical Smoothie Cafe? When our franchisees are successful, the brand is successful. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 770-580-2333 We have a jerk chicken quesadilla, we dont come out and just do a ham or turkey sandwich. Oh gosh. CLOSE. Building off this momentum, in 2019, we celebrated the openings of our 750th and 800th locations, but taking over during such a monumental time for our brand certainly brought opportunities to improve. New York State Disclaimer: This advertisement is not an offering. Jan 2010 - Nov 20155 years 11 months. How are we purpose-driven? And were rolling that out under our tagline of Inspire Better. Share Tweet Share Pin. Tropical Smoothie Cafe's Profile, Revenue and Employees. Its not just: We have snacks! We have a full-on robust kitchen thats preparing fresh products. How is taking the reins of an existing company different than being part of a startup or a founder? And so I think were right on pace. Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. While the pandemic destroyed thousands of restaurants last year, Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe had one of its best years to date. You know, this is terrible, but Ive never gone through a pandemic before obviously, and I would have to say Im pretty pleased I think we did a very nice job during 2020, we opened 99 new restaurants. Chief Executive Officer @ Tropical Smoothie Cafe; . So another boldly flavored product, thats been a number one seller for gosh, probably five, six years at this point. I would say Im absolutely not opposed to being in all 50 states. NJ. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200, Atlanta, GA 30338. I have a little bit sweeter palate. I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC Really trying to understand how to see the world through a different stakeholders' eyes is something I still work on.". In a highly competitive segment, we're one of the fastest-growing quick-casual brands, opening 124 new locations in 2019 alone and singing 213 development agreements to open hundreds of businesses over the next few years.". "At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, it's our mission to inspire a healthier lifestyle by serving amazing food and smoothies, with a bit of tropical fun. Previously, Cheryl held a 17-year tenure with Popeyes, during which she served as Vice President of Franchise Development, Vice President of Development Strategic Planning, and Director of Investor Relations and Finance. 770-580-2333, NRN Editors Discuss Digital Engagement with CMO Deborah von Kutzleben, In Her Own Words: Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees gain Cheryl Fletchers support, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Opens First Double Drive-Thru Location. city of san diego street classification map; blackrock russell 2000 index fund g1; 3610 atlantic ave, long beach, ca 90807; eternal water heater lawsuit; A series of fortunate events July 20, 2020. Thats why food and smoothie innovation is so important, its to keep things fresh and to make sure that our guests are getting exciting things to be able to see and try. NET WORTH * LIQUID CAPITAL/CASH AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENT * *All fields required. Sometimes youve just got to go with the taste. Yes, it has a brand name on it, but it is Bill and Sally Smith on the corner and theyre entrepreneurs. He has been the Chief Development Officer since 2015 and directly responsible for selling more than 800 franchises during his tenure. Cheryl Fletcher joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in July of 2017.