Juice It Up
Juice It Up! offers fresh juices, smoothies, and snacks in health-conscious juice bars. Known for its cold-pressed options and acai bowls, it operates in the quick-service restaurant sector of the food service industry.
About Juice It Up
Juice It Up! is a franchised raw juice, bowl and smoothie bar company. It has 130 locations open or under development across California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Nevada. Juice It Up! delivers real fruit handcrafted fruit and veggie smoothies, fresh squeezed raw juices, acai and pitaya fruit and smoothie bowls, and cold-pressed bottled juices and shots, as well as healthy snacks. Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme are the company's principal owners. The company is based in Newport Beach, California, and originated in 1995.
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Juice It Up franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The estimated initial investment to begin operation of a single JUICE IT UP!® Unit is between approximately $247,100 and $542,400 without a drive-thru and $282,100 and $660,400 with a drive-through [p.1]. This includes the initial franchise fee of $23,750 to $33,750 for a Traditional Unit or Non-Traditional Unit other than a University Unit, which must be paid to the company [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies based on the type of unit and number of units under an Area Development Agreement. For a single Traditional or Non-Traditional Unit (excluding University Units), the initial franchise fee is $30,000. If opening three or more Units, the fees are $30,000 for the first, $25,000 for the second, and $20,000 for each subsequent Unit. For a University Unit, the initial franchise fee is consistently $20,000 regardless of the number of Units [p.12, p.13, p.14, p.22].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is approximately 6% of each franchised store's adjusted gross sales, while the marketing (advertising) fee is about 2%. These fees are based on variable consideration from the franchisees' sales. [p.75]
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement typically lasts for 10 years [p.75]. You can renew the agreement either upon the same terms set forth in the Agreement or on a week-to-week basis if we deem necessary or appropriate [p.112]. However, you must accept any new terms and conditions specified by our option to sign a new Franchise Agreement or Area Development Agreement at the end of your initial term [p.45, p.75].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
Yes, you can sell or transfer your franchise. However, it requires submitting several documents including the completed franchise purchase application, a written notice summarizing the terms of the proposed transfer, the applicable transfer fee (ranging from $15,000 to $32,500 depending on circumstances), and other information as detailed in the Manual [p.161, p.138]. The transfer fee is typically non-refundable unless the Transfer is not consummated [p.117].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if you engage in wholesale activities [p.24], or if there are any material breaches by you that are not cured within a specified period [not directly stated but implied from standard FDD language]. Additionally, the franchisor may terminate the agreement for cause, such as failing to comply with operating restrictions or competition from the franchisor in your territory [p.5-6].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide specific details on net worth or liquid capital requirements for franchisees. However, it does state that you must demonstrate your financial capacity to perform under the Franchise Agreement [p.188], including submitting a comprehensive management plan acceptable to the franchisor [p.189].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive any exclusive rights or territory under the Franchise Agreement. You may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other channels controlled by the franchisor [p.40]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for Area Development Agreements either [p.41], meaning even with such an agreement, you still do not have exclusive rights within your development area [p.40, p.184].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides both initial and ongoing training programs. Initially, a mandatory 56-hour program including classroom and hands-on training is conducted before opening the unit [p.32]. Ongoing support includes re-training if needed after the initial training [p.113], and franchisees are required to provide evidence of their employees' certification and training [p.113]. Additionally, ongoing management and operational training may be provided as deemed necessary by the franchisor [p.113]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for detailed frequency or content of ongoing support beyond re-training requirements.
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 30, 2023, there were 87 franchised locations [p.72]. During the 2023 fiscal year, information about franchisees who had their outlet terminated, cancelled, not renewed, or otherwise ceased to do business under the Franchise Agreement is provided in Exhibit D-2 of the FDD, but specific numbers are not given in the excerpts [p.58].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor is permitted to provide actual records of an existing outlet if requested, but generally does not make financial performance representations. According to [p.208], no specific financial results were provided by the franchisor except as detailed in Item 19 of the Disclosure Document.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to offering and selling only the products and services authorized by the franchisor, which include smoothies, fresh juices, bowls, and other items as specified. You must purchase all Proprietary Products from designated suppliers, while Non-Proprietary Products should be bought from approved suppliers designated by the franchisor. [p.24, p.125]