Smoothie King Franchise Cost and Profit

Smoothie King requires a total initial investment of $346K to $1.3M (midpoint approximately $812K), with an initial franchise fee of $30K. The ongoing fee burden is 9% (6% royalty plus 3% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 14.2%, leaving more margin for the operator.

According to Item 19 of the 2026 FDD, the median revenue for Smoothie King locations is $627K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $25K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 3.1% with a payback period of approximately 32.4 years.

Smoothie King operates approximately 1,093 franchised units. The brand is growing, with a 4.7% net unit increase year-over-year, indicating franchisee demand and system health. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 3.7% is in line with industry norms of approximately 9.4%.

Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.