2015 Guide to Today's Top Franchises

FOOD & BEVERAGE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FEATURED
Franchisee
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Startup Investment: $165,940 – $414,685
Cash Requirement: $100,000
Total Units: 405
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a better-for-you quick
casual restaurant chain with over 400 locations
in 38 states. Our balanced business model, with
50% Food and 50% Smoothie Sales, makes
us two brands in one. This allows us to service
all dayparts and drive higher gross sales. Our
lower development costs are driven by our
simple operational model—no grills, deep fryers
or hooding systems—which also drives our
healthy consumer appeal. We offer wraps, salads,
sandwiches and flatbreads as well as our famous
all natural, real fruit smoothies.
For more information on Tropical Smoothie
Cafe opportunities, call (770) 580-2345 or visit
www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Yogurtland
Startup Investment: $336,793 – $788,750
Cash Requirement: $200,000
Total Units: 264
Yogurtland is pioneering the experience of
customer-created frozen yogurt and it’s quickly
catching on in neighborhoods across the country
and across the globe. We’re not just creating
yogurt, we’re creating an irresistible business
opportunity that’s imminently enjoyable, easily
repeatable, and simply ingenious.
For more information on Yogurtland
opportunities, call (949) 265-8000 x304
or visit www.yogurt-land.com/franchise.
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs
Startup Investment: $228,000 – $432,500
Cash Requirement: $100,000
Total Units: 552
Hungry Howie’s serves families great Flavored
Crust Pizza at an amazing value. With over 40
years of experience, we’re consistently ranked
as a Top 10 Pizza Franchise. Our Flavored
Crust gives us a distinct point of difference
in today’s competitive marketplace while our
strong infrastructure will provide you with all
you need to be successful. We are certain that
when you compare Hungry Howie’s to other
investment opportunities, you will appreciate
our commitment to our concept, products and
franchisees. We provide a great opportunity to
participate in a growing franchise system that
offers significant investment value.
For more information on Hungry Howie’s
opportunities, call (248) 414-3300 or visit
franchising.hungryhowies.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Billy Sims Barbecue
Startup Investment: $169,000 – $433,000
Cash Requirement: $150,000
Total Units: 45
Billy Sims BBQ is a 44-unit, Tulsa-based fast
casual concept serving premium BBQ smoked
daily in-house with traditional sides. Founded
by 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims,
and cofounder Jeff Jackson, Billy Sims BBQ is a
unique franchise concept that is experiencing
growth. As one of the top rated celebrity and
athlete-owned restaurants, Billy Sims BBQ has an
extensive menu of nine meats that are smoked
daily. Billy Sims BBQ opened 11 restaurants in
2014. Operating in six states, Billy Sims BBQ
is actively seeking franchisees for multi-unit
developments in states throughout the country.
For more information on Billy Sims BBQ
opportunities, call (918) 740-3374 or visit
www.billysimsbbq.com.
Why did you decide to buy a franchise?
I saw the opportunity to quickly take my existing
company to the next level by utilizing G.J. Gardner
Homes’ proven systems and procedures.
Why did you choose your franchise?
In addition to G.J. Gardner Homes’ international
presence and buying power, I was impressed by
the extensive support it provides.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to grow my business and improve my life as
well as my staff’s lives while delivering a quality
product. There’s no better feeling then having a
customer tell me how much they love their new
home and how helpful our staff was throughout
the process.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ve just purchased my second franchise area
so my immediate focus professionally is getting
it running at optimal efficiency. When I’ve
accomplished that, I have plans to systematically
grow into two additional areas.
Who has most influenced your approach to
business?
My entrepreneurial spirit comes from my
grandfathers. My approach to business and
managerial mindedness comes from my father.
What advice do you have for prospective
franchise buyers?
You should bring your own style and expertise to
the table, while embracing the business model
and leadership offered by the franchise.
Describe franchising in one word.
Opportunistic.
Scott Moberg
G.J. Gardner Homes
Parker and Lone Tree, CO
Franchisee since 2010
For more information on G.J. Gardner
opportunities, call (815) 409-1380 or visit
www.gjgardner.com.
For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com | 33