Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, recently announced franchise and food service industry veteran Emily Harrington has signed franchise agreements to expand the brand’s presence in Tampa, Florida.
A trailblazer in the franchising and food service industries, Harrington has immense experience as a multi-unit operator of successful franchises, having previously owned 42 Hardee’s restaurants prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe. As part of her franchise agreement with the brand, Harrington purchased two existing cafes in Tampa and will be opening an additional four new locations throughout the area over the next several years, with an ultimate goal to own at least 50 Tropical Smoothie Cafe restaurants.
Prior to making her mark in franchising, Harrington served in the U.S. Army for five years as a Signal Corps officer. This new agreement and Florida expansion is fueled by Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s accelerated franchise development plans. On the heels of one of the strongest years in the company’s 19-year history, the award-winning brand successfully propelled its expansion throughout 2016 and grew its presence in key markets nationwide.