Emerald City Franchises Serve Healthy Smoothies and Healthy Profits

BELLEVUE, WA, September 07, 2010 (Press-News.org) Emerald City Smoothie offers customized smoothies that match each customer's nutrition goals and taste preferences. People can select incredibly delicious smoothies by health goal, taste, carb and fat content, and explore nutritional choices with products and services organized in a way that easily accommodate their goals.

"Choosing the right smoothie, supplements and services can be confusing, but our stores make choosing fun and easy," said Rich Folk, CEO of Emerald City Smoothies. "Our customers share their goals and successes regarding health, diet and exercise with store staff. And each new customer feels immediately welcome."

As a result, an unheard of 100 percent of customers surveyed will buy another smoothie from Emerald City and 67 percent visit the stores three or more times a week, based on a survey by brand research experts Parker LePla. And, while in the stores, many customers also buy healthy snacks, sport supplements, diet aids and meal replacement proteins.

"We provide a healthy alternative to fast food -- the taste reward without the guilt," said Folk. "On the other hand, our smoothies are a tasty alternative to health drinks -- the health reward without the bad taste."

Founded in 1996, the franchise currently has over 65 stores nationwide, with over 10 locations coming soon. A large portion of the franchise owners were once customers. And, many of the franchisees are multi-owners, ranging from 2 to 5 locations.

"An Emerald City franchise offers low entry cost and high upside potential," Folk said. "Our unique brand promise sets us apart from the crowd. We deliver healthy smoothies with unbeatable taste. For new franchisees, this unique concept contributes to a shorter break-even time. Even better, over the long run, it means our franchisees own a defensible brand that's very difficult to copy."

Franchisees get a turn-key system that includes all architectural design, equipment, shelving, graphics, signage, marketing materials and extensive training. Other benefits of this easy-to-operate franchise include defined territories, only one-to-five part-time employees on payroll per week, small retail space and a web presence.

"We create the Emerald City Smoothie Experience by partnering with franchisees who understand the power behind a compelling brand promise and are willing to create the right product and people mix to consistently deliver it," said Folk. "This unique sales environment takes commitment to hire and train the right people and maintain our high quality product standards."

Food or retail experience is helpful, but not necessary. Franchisees learn everything they need to know during the training program and continuing business consulting.

"We're with you every step of the way, from store planning, through grand opening and ongoing support," Folk said. "Our comprehensive training program consists of 40 hours of one-on-one instruction in smoothie making, building personal customer connections and running the entire business. We also train employees on how to develop a supporting relationship with customers."

Emerald City Smoothie provides high-quality smoothies and health products, but the stores are not corporate, cookie-cutter vending centers. Each store takes on the distinctiveness of its local area and customer base.

"We've spent over 10 years perfecting great tasting smoothies made with the freshest ingredients available," said Folk. "Our smoothies are designed to help customers achieve their health goals by providing a healthy meal on-the-go or well-balanced snack between meals. Visit your neighborhood Emerald City Smoothie location and experience our great taste and outstanding service for yourself."

For more information, call 206-230-5556 or visit http://www.emeraldcitysmoothie.com.