Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Marketing

Tropical Smoothie Cafe targets unique demographic: 'Crave Health Balancers'

It's a consumer who is "one lane over" from those focused on health. And it's a space where the beverage-led fast-casual chain sees room for growth.

Marketing

Tropical Smoothie Café wants to turn on its marketing engine

The smoothie chain that also sells food has had strong growth and customer value scores. Now it just needs to build brand awareness. It has a plan to do that.

The smoothie chain named Jonathan Biggs its new chief operating officer, Chris Sasser chief financial officer and Karen Wickliffe general counsel.

The Bottom Line: The private-equity firm has long invested in franchisors. But three deals worth more than $10 billion make its presence felt in the restaurant business.

Wetzel replaces outgoing CEO Charles Watson, who led the rapidly growing healthful fast-casual concept for six years through an acquisition.

The Atlanta-based fast-casual smoothie chain, which has thrived in recent years, is being sold to the private-equity giant for $2 billion.

The smoothie chain is reportedly exploring a sale for as much as $2 billion, the latest indication of a warming restaurant M&A market.

The Bottom Line: Tropical Smoothie Café and Coopers Hawk are both reportedly planning upcoming IPOs, adding to a growing list. But some recent offerings haven’t fared well.

Deborah von Kutzleben also spent more than two decades at global advertising firm BBDO Worldwide.

Richard Key has been with the fast-growing smoothie chain since 2018. The fast casual recently opened its 1,000th store.

  • Page 1