Were any of the franchisees reluctant to follow the system or embrace a new direction? Passion and brand vision continue to guide the way. Weve raised almost $7.5 million for them. Tell us a little about your background before joining Tropical Smoothie? Charles Watson, the CEO of Tropical Smoothie Care, was thrilled with his company's performance so far this year . Excludes non-traditional locations and Restaurants that were not open for at least 357 days in 2021. There is no assurance that you will do as well. Mark Montini joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe as Chief Marketing Officer in October 2019. Occhiogrosso: How do you feel about franchise advisory councils? If its not run-of-the-mill bland food, we want to bring a little bit of a culinary experience to quick casual, and still provide convenience, and value, and all those kinds of things. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. Based on our fiscal year ending 12/26/2021 and includes 768 Restaurants that were open for at least 12 months as of 12/26/2021. While our projected 2020 growth might take a step back due to the coronavirus, I believe our approach to navigating through this will help us emerge quickly once it passes.". Really trying to understand how to see the world through a different stakeholders' eyes is something I still work on.". Prior to being named CEO in 2018, Charles served as the chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Charles Watson is Chief Executive Officer at Tropical Smoothie Cafe Corp. See Charles Watson's compensation, career history, education, & memberships. Beyond that, we need to provide training. He was previously. New York State Disclaimer: This advertisement is not an offering. I try to pass along that spirit and advice to others. wills o' nats last of the summer wine. Jul. We had a high level of mutual trust and respect for each other that existed before I assumed the role of CEO. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. While our projected 2020 growth might take a step back due to the coronavirus, I believe our approach to navigating through this will help us emerge quickly once it passes.". As you know, the restaurant industry has taken a huge hit. New York State Disclaimer: This advertisement is not an offering. When asked about developing people skills with a generation used to communicating online, Its an opportunity for us as managers and Franchise Owners to teach the staff how to greet people, look them in the eye, and ask how may I serve you today? Its our job to teach the next generation. We have very dedicated franchisees that just go out there and drive the business every day. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota (File No. There is no assurance that you will do as well. Be sure that you have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and $125,000 in liquid assets. And theyve been able to do that, which is increased our average unit volume many, many times over the years. But I would tell you that what has ultimately driven this brand is our franchisees and it is our culture, right? I dont believe that the people side of our business is dead.. We strive to continue to harness these relationships in this way and feel that this approach will continue to fuel our success. *$1,009,803 System Wide Average Net Revenues. Right now we have a BLT quesadilla. See where were looking to grow to meet the incredible demand. And they want what they want when they want it, and thats usually right now. I and/or my business partner(s) have the following financials, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC The offering is by prospectus only. 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200 Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC . Chipotle chicken flatbread. Our relationships are founded on trust and respect for the unique talents of our teams, franchisees, and vendors alike. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. Saturday 31st December 2022 (New Year's Eve) 10:00pm til 4:00am. It's almost all you need to know about the results of Mr. Watsons work and commitment to the franchisees. At the start of his career, Michaels ambitious spirit led him to develop a point of sale system, Hot Sauce. In conclusion, I believe the growth of Tropical Smoothie Cafe over the last two years demonstrates Mr. Watson's steady leadership and a clear understanding of building on the momentum that has made the brand a leader in its category. The number one seller from a limited time offer perspective has always been our summertime Watermelon Mojito, its incredibly popular, 20 to 25 sales per cafe per day, with that Watermelon Mojito, everyone looks forward to it. Prior to that, she spent 22 years at BBDO Worldwide, where she was executive vice president and senior director for the global advertising powerhouse, leading campaign strategy and execution for many large national brands. Excludes non-traditional locations and Restaurants that were not open for at least 357 days in 2021. I think the biggest shift will take place for those restaurants that can't be open right now. I learned through watching them success shouldnt be measured in hours worked, but rather in getting the job done right. And if you do that well, then your top-sellers, sometimes you beat them. Luckily in my first two years as CEO, we continued to expand the footprint of the brand, and increase brand awareness, drive profitability for our franchisees and drive our comp sales. Richard has served in a franchise operations capacity for more than 20 years with brands such as TCBY, Carvel, and Moes Southwest Grill. So I would say our Island Green Detox is not my go-to, but I understand that should be my go-to from a health perspective. Next year marks 25 years since the brands founding. TropicalSmoothie.com. If you dont have a good product, it doesnt matter. In my case, because I already had nearly a decade with Tropical Smoothie Cafe on the franchise development side, I had the unique advantage of personal relationships with our franchise community. Join our Franchise Family. Youre paying for a premium product. Charles Watson serves as CEO for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Here's how CEO Charles Watson did it. And that really got us down this road of: What is our purpose? Michael brings 20 years of foundational IT skills and core functions of digital knowledge critical to shaping our journey to reach guests via innovative technologies. Charles Watson, CEO Corporate Address . In 2018, when I was named CEO, we had more than 720 locations open nationwide. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. One of the biggest expenses seen in the income statement is $12 million spent in . Although COVID-19 has directly impacted our business, some days being down more than 50 percent, we consider ourselves lucky to have a business model that allowed us to easily transition to grab-and-go, curbside, and delivery only. Michael brings 20 years of foundational IT skills and core functions of digital knowledge critical to shaping our journey to reach guests via innovative technologies. Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, I worked for several hotel and hospitality-centric companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group, US Franchise Systems, Inc. and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors. We have quesadillas, we have flatbread sandwiches, we have sandwiches, we have salads. We consider ourselves to be an approachable, healthier option for the average American, and our customer loyalty system-wide continues to climb. I think the biggest shift will take place for those restaurants that can't be open right now. Skip to main content Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. Watson has more than 10 years of experience with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and led our franchise development efforts since 2010. "As a first time CEO, learning to view the business from a thinking vs. a doing mentality was a challenge I faced. It is, however, a "darn good chaser," he said and . 770-580-2333 Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. *$1,009,803 System Wide Average Net Revenues. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place for hundreds more locations in the pipeline and is on track to meet Charles' aggressive goal to hit 1,500 locations by the end of 2024. How Much Do You Make Owning A Tropical Smoothie. Mark Montini joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe as Chief Marketing Officer in October 2019. As a 35 year veteran of the restaurant and franchise industry, I have always been fascinated by the challenges, risks, rewards, and day to day "work" a CEO faces when first taking the helm of an ongoing franchise organization. Knowing that those essential workers are not only in the healthcare fields, weve also extended our giving to grocery store, warehouse and post office employees. How do you feel about franchise advisory councils? A presentation for a board is focused on very different things than a franchisee roadshow. Whats the best piece of advice that other restaurant executives should hear? Youre asking me to pick which kid I like the best. "I wanted to further instill a franchisee-first mentality. Day-to-day I would say my favorite is the Avocolada Smoothie. Were any of the franchisees reluctant to follow the system or embrace a new direction? No Place Like Home: Home Service Franchises Enjoy Continued Growth During Times Of Financial Difficulty, Little Caesars Pizza Franchise Set To Relaunch In The UK, The Importance Of Having A Franchise Exit Strategy. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has deals in place for hundreds more locations in the pipeline and is on track to meet Charles aggressive goal to hit 1,500 locations by the end of 2024. In a franchise system, without broad franchisee buy-in, you cannot move as efficiently and effectively as is required in today's business environment.". What are some of your interests outside of work? Because 99% of Tropical Smoothie Cafe's system is franchisee-owned and operated, it was my goal to maintain consistency for them and move the company forward in the right direction, with a lot of reverence and respect for the past. Watson:"I wanted to further instill a franchisee-first mentality. Mr. Watson was appointed the CEO position of Tropical Smoothie Cafe in December 2018. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Charles recently joined his team in celebrating the opening of the 1,000th Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. My experience with the brand up to that point was beneficial because I was already very immersed in the operations and processes that had contributed to its success at that time. It posted its ninth consecutive year of positive same-store sales, with 2020 same-stores up 7.5%. Interested candidates should have business experience, along with a minimum net worth of $350,000 which includes $125,000 in liquid assets. Our franchisees and their teams are the faces community members see daily, and the dedication from them is truly whats given us so much success in recent years. So we managed to get through that. And was one in place already? Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Richard was the Vice President of Operations, West Division, for Papa Murphys International where he was responsible for field operations and marketing. Yes, I am putting my mark on the brand and culture, but I have been around long enough not to stray too far from the DNA of the brand.". Other common Tropical Smoothie Cafe email . We have a jerk chicken quesadilla, we dont come out and just do a ham or turkey sandwich. In her role as Chief Development Officer, Cheryl drives the brands franchise development sales, real estate and design and construction. Mark Montini joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe as Chief Marketing Officer in October 2019. During the current COVID-19 crisis, what steps have you taken to ensure that Tropical Smoothie Cafe supports the local community? The smoothie-and-food chain has been a strong grower for years and turned on the jets so far in 2021. Michael brings 20 years of foundational IT skills and core functions of digital knowledge critical to shaping our journey to reach guests via innovative technologies. So another boldly flavored product, thats been a number one seller for gosh, probably five, six years at this point. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of franchise development, real estate, design and construction and franchise administration and helped grow the system from 265 open units to 725 open units. And then number two, I would say a franchisee base that is second to none. Call now and speak to a franchise development leader. in December 2018. Von Kutzleben most recently served as vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at Arbys. 770-580-2333, NRN Editors Discuss Digital Engagement with CMO Deborah von Kutzleben, In Her Own Words: Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees gain Cheryl Fletchers support, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Opens First Double Drive-Thru Location. Based on our fiscal year ending 12/26/2021 and includes 768 Restaurants that were open for at least 12 months as of 12/26/2021. You are here: Home 1 / Clearway in the Community 2 / Uncategorised 3 / charles watson tropical smoothie net worth 12th June 2022 / in chopin sonata 2 analysis / by 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite W200 Weve been in partnership with them for over 10 years now. Areas we wanted to attack immediately with our rapid growth were direct franchisee support as well as technology support and menu innovation. Mr. Watson was appointed the CEO position of. For me, its about really making sure that those DMAs [distinct market areas] or those different cities are all well represented and well connected so that our brand can compete in those different cities. And so I think thats only going to fuel our continued growth going forward. The success of our brand is about the talent and drive of our talented executives and Support Center team. Prior to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Mark served as Chief Marketing Officer with Floor Coverings International where he was responsible for driving the brands digital transformation and leadership position in service-based franchising. What were the one or two unique challenges that you faced upon taking over as CEO? Cheryl Fletcher joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in July of 2017. He sat down to do an interview with Tim Tang and talked about how his brand is innovating to meet the needs of todays consumers. Charles is directly responsible for selling more than 800 franchises during his tenure. Provide product innovation and innovation in general. No credit card required. John Joseph Dallier, 61, passed away suddenly at home after severe health complications. I have a little bit sweeter palate. CLOSE. And now is the right time to buy." . We gathered that feedback and used it to set goals and action plans for the company. To what factors do you attribute the growth of the chain in recent years, and to its staying power? 770-580-2333 Cheryl Fletcher joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in July of 2017. Occhiogrosso: Please give our readers the "Elevator Pitch" for Tropical Smoothie Cafe? In my experience, making franchisee success and profitability the priority is the key to the longevity of any franchised brand. It is for information purposes only. Mark serves on the board of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. NJ. I joined Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2010 as the Vice President of Franchise Development and, in 2016, became the Chief Development Officer, where I was responsible for all aspects of the development of the brand. Occhiogrosso: What challenges, if any, did you face in getting "buy-in" from the existing franchise community once you became CEO? Charles also serves on the boards of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. At the start of his career, Michaels ambitious spirit led him to develop a point of sale system, Hot Sauce.