Smoothie King is accelerating its U.S. expansion in 2026 as strong sales and a broader food menu drive new customer demand and franchise growth.
The smoothie chain reported 9% same-store sales growth in July, its strongest monthly performance of the year. The company said its same-store sales growth in 2026 has averaged nearly four times the industry rate, with positive growth recorded every month.
The performance builds on a longer period of expansion. Smoothie King has recorded systemwide sales growth every year since 2013. From 2020 to 2025, system sales increased nearly 64%, while average unit volumes rose 27%. Its store count has grown 76% over the past decade.
A major part of the strategy has been expanding beyond smoothies into nutritious food. Smoothie King launched its Power Eats food platform nationwide in 2025, adding Loaded Toasts and Protein Boxes. In 2026, the brand introduced High Protein Greek Yogurt Bowls and, most recently, three Chicken Flatbreads: Chicken Chipotle, Chicken Ranch and Chicken Pesto.
The company said its food expansion is helping create more occasions for customers to visit Smoothie King throughout the day. It has also rolled out ovens across its system at no equipment cost to existing franchisees, making it easier for operators to add the new food products.
Franchise development is also gaining momentum. During the second quarter of 2026, Smoothie King opened 19 new locations across 11 states and added 32 new store-opening commitments to its pipeline. The company also recorded its highest number of qualified franchise inquiries in a single quarter since it began tracking the metric in 2017.
Smoothie King opened 74 locations in 2025 and signed 101 franchise commitments. The company entered markets including Utah and Minnesota and began 2026 targeting more than 90 new store openings.
Today, Smoothie King has more than 1,250 locations across the U.S.
“Consumers are placing a greater emphasis on health and wellness than ever before, and with more than five decades of nutritional expertise, Smoothie King is uniquely positioned to lead that movement,” said Gavin Felder, President and Chief Financial Officer of Smoothie King.
“With lower investment costs than many traditional QSR concepts, continued focus on product innovation, store growth and the guest experience, we’re engaging with our franchisees to build a business that’s designed to lead the category for years to come,” Felder added.
The company is also investing in AI-driven back-of-house technology and other operational improvements as it expands its menu and restaurant network.
With strong same-store sales, new food categories and growing franchise commitments, Smoothie King is using its nutrition-focused positioning to build a broader quick-service restaurant model while continuing its expansion across the U.S.
