About Planet Smoothie Franchise
Planet Smoothie is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in smoothies, smoothie bowls, fruit drinks, functional drinks, nutritional supplements, and other beverage and food items.
Franchisees operate a single traditional or non-traditional Planet Smoothie restaurant at a specific approved location, serving the general public and people of all ages.
Day-to-day operations involve preparing and serving blend-to-order smoothies and related products, managing staff, maintaining food safety standards, and marketing to local customers in a competitive food service environment.
Planet Smoothie Franchise Cost & Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 | One-time payment upon signing |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales of gross sales | Ongoing; paid monthly |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% of biweekly Gross Sales (national fund) + 1% if cooperative exists | National brand fund |
| Total Investment Range | $81,150 – $421,500 | Includes build-out, inventory, working capital |
The investment range of $81K–$422K reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (5% of Gross Sales) and marketing fee (2% of biweekly Gross Sales (national fund) + 1% if cooperative exists) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
Investment Breakdown (Item 7)
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $12,000 | $25,000 |
| Lease Review Fee | $0 | $2,500 |
| Rent/Security Deposit (3 months) | $6,000 | $20,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses while training | $3,750 | $7,500 |
| Architectural Fees | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $5,000 | $190,000 |
| Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, Small Wares, Interior Signage and Menu Panels | $12,000 | $80,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $7,000 | $15,000 |
| Computer Hardware, Software (POS System) | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| PCI Compliance Costs | $150 | $1,300 |
| Opening Inventory (food and paper) | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Business Insurance | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $4,750 | $17,200 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Depository Account | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds - 3 month initial period | $5,000 | $15,000 |
Additional Fees (Item 6)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | $7,500 (traditional); $5,000 (non-traditional) |
| Renewal Fee | 50% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee |
| Technology Fee | Up to $100 per month (data fees); $55 per month (POS Help Desk Phone Support) |
| Audit Fee | Cost of audit plus interest at 1.5% per month on underpayments |
| Additional Persons Training Fee | $1,250 per person |
| Additional Training Fee | $300 per person per day |
| Annual Meeting Registration Fee | Up to $1,000 |
| Depository Account | $3,000 minimum balance |
| Document Administration Fee | $500 |
| Default Interest | $50 plus 1.5% per month |
| Late Report Fee | $100 per report |
| Non-Sufficient Funds Fee | $50 per EFT; $25 per check |
| Non-Participation Fee | $100 per day |
| Management Fee | 6% of Gross Sales plus expenses |
| Relocation Fee | $500 |
| Transfer Training Fee | $2,500 for two individuals |
| New Supplier Approval Fee | Up to $5,000 |
Training Program (Item 11)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 64 hours total (40 hours New Owner Training + 24 hours In-Store Training) |
| Classroom Training | 40 hours |
| On-the-Job Training | 24 hours |
| Training Location | New Owner Training: Online, KTEC (Kahala Training & Education Center) in Scottsdale, AZ, or other designated location. In-Store Training: Franchisee's restaurant location or other designated location. |
| Additional Training | Available at $300 per person per day. Franchisor provides one representative during opening week for up to 4 days. Mandatory attendance at annual conferences and refresher programs. |
Territory Rights (Item 12)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Territory Type | Non-exclusive |
| Exclusive Territory | No |
| Description | Franchisee does not receive an exclusive territory. Franchisor and affiliates may establish other franchised or company-owned Planet Smoothie restaurants that may compete with franchisee's location, including across the street or in the same venue. Franchisor reserves rights to sell Planet Smoothie products through other channels of distribution including grocery stores, internet, catalog sales, and vending machines. |
Renewal, Termination & Transfer (Item 17)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Term | 5 years (single renewal) |
| Renewal Fee | 50% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee |
| Renewal Conditions | Must give 120 days notice; not in default; in compliance with franchise agreement and Confidential Manual; no more than 3 default notices during term or 2 in last 5 years; have premises; sign new franchise agreement (may have materially different terms); pay renewal fee; remodel if necessary; current on all financial obligations; sign general release. |
| Transfer Fee | $7,500 (traditional); $5,000 (non-traditional) |
| Transfer Conditions | All obligations paid and satisfied; transferee must qualify, complete training, sign new agreements; transfer franchise fee and training fee paid; remodel if necessary; general release signed by transferor; right of first refusal by franchisor. |
| Termination for Cause | Franchisor can terminate for defaults including: failure to open within 1 year; bankruptcy/insolvency; failure to pay fees; lease default; felony conviction; abandonment; unauthorized transfer; trademark misuse; repeated defaults; health/safety violations; fraud. |
| Non-Compete Period | 2 years |
| Non-Compete Details | No competing business (primarily engaged in sale of smoothies) within 10-mile radius of the location or any Planet Smoothie restaurant for 2 years after termination/expiration. During the term, no competing business anywhere. |
Operations & Supply (Items 8 & 15)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner-Operator Required | No |
| Participation Details | While not specifically required, franchisor intends to select franchisees who plan to actively participate in direct operation. The franchise must be personally managed by the franchisee, a partner/shareholder/member, or a manager who completed the Training Program. Franchisee must employ at least one full-time on-premises Manager. Franchisor strongly recommends substantial time devotion. |
| Required Suppliers | All food products, ingredients, equipment, computer hardware and software, furniture, fixtures, decor, signs, supplies must be purchased from approved distributors and suppliers. Neptune Equipment (affiliate) is an approved supplier of equipment, signage, menu boards, and smallwares. Kahala Management is an approved service provider of real estate services. |
| Supply Restrictions | Franchisees must use only approved vendors and designated approved distributors. Over 90% of total purchases to begin operations and over 80% of annual operating expenses for raw materials must comply with franchisor specifications. Must use designated third-party design architect. Must use Coca-Cola products exclusively for carbonated fountain drinks. |
| Franchisor Revenue from Suppliers | MTY USA and subsidiaries derived $30,329,806 from sales of products, services, and product allowances to franchisees (approximately 14% of total revenue of $216,655,000). This includes $20,632,205 from vendor rebates/allowances, $862,172 from Neptune Equipment, and $556,694 from Kahala Management POS support fees. |
Financing (Item 10)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing Available | Yes |
| Description | Franchisor does not offer direct financing except potentially for the lease guarantee and for purchase of corporate-owned restaurants sold as-is. If purchasing a corporate restaurant, franchisor may finance up to 100% of purchase price at 0%-12% annual interest, repayable in 12-60 monthly installments. Security interest is a first position lien on all equipment. Spousal and principal guarantees required. |
Planet Smoothie Franchise Earnings — Item 19
Past financial performance does not guarantee future results. Individual results will vary.
Planet Smoothie Litigation & Risk Flags
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
Planet Smoothie System Growth
Planet Smoothie currently operates 149 franchised locations and 0 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
Unit History (Item 20)
| Year | Opened | Closed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 | 12 | 139 |
| 2020 | 8 | 7 | 140 |
| 2021 | 15 | 6 | 149 |
Transfers: 13 | Closures: 5
State Registrations
Registered in 14 states: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA, WI
Franchisor Financials (Item 21)
Audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for year ending November 30.
Planet Smoothie Franchise — FAQ
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