Clean Juice

For franchise investors navigating the increasingly complex landscape of healthy fast-casual opportunities, the fundamental question persists: how does one identify a truly differentiated brand poised for sustainable growth in a competitive market? Clean Juice emerges as a significant player in the burgeoning health and wellness industry, offering a USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise opportunity that directly addresses the consumer problem of finding genuinely healthy, unprocessed fast food alternatives. The brand was founded in 2014 by husband and wife Landon and Kat Eckles, whose personal journey to eat better and provide wholesome food choices for their family, with Kat Eckles developing organic juices and smoothies at home, became the inspiration. The very first Clean Juice location opened its doors in Huntersville, North Carolina, in June 2015, quickly establishing a demand for its 100% organic, healthy, and unprocessed menu items, which include smoothies, juices, acai bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Recognizing the immense market potential, the company strategically launched its franchising platform in the summer of 2016, marking its transition into a scalable business model. Since its franchising inception, Clean Juice has demonstrated remarkable expansion, growing to 79 stores open and three in development as of June 2024, extending its national footprint across 31 states. While a 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document reported 69 total units, all franchised, and a January 2026 source indicated over 80 locations under development or in operation across thirty states, another source from the same date even mentions over 200 locations across the United States, illustrating a dynamic growth trajectory. The brand currently holds registrations to license franchises in 47 states, actively working towards a comprehensive 50-state expansion, firmly positioning itself as a dominant and growing force within its niche. The total addressable market for the Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars industry, valued at $333.12 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $456.47 billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 6.7%, underscores the significant opportunity that this Clean Juice franchise offers. This independent analysis from PeerSense provides a critical, data-dense perspective for investors considering a Clean Juice franchise, moving beyond promotional claims to deliver actionable intelligence for a major financial decision.

The industry landscape in which Clean Juice operates is characterized by robust growth and powerful secular tailwinds, making it an attractive category for franchise investment. The global non-alcoholic beverages market, a broader segment relevant to Clean Juice, was estimated at USD 1.41 trillion in 2025 and is projected to nearly double to approximately USD 2.85 trillion by 2035, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.78% from 2026 to 2035. More specifically, the Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars market size is expected to grow from $333.12 billion in 2025 to $352.46 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.8%, and further to $456.47 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 6.7%. These substantial market sizes and consistent growth rates highlight a resilient demand environment. Key consumer trends are strongly driving this demand, including a pervasive focus on health and wellness, which directly translates into increased demand for nutritious, low-calorie snacks and organic food options, a segment showing a 9.90% CAGR during the forecast period. The growing preference for plant-based diets, with increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian options, perfectly aligns with Clean Juice's menu offerings. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability, demanding eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients, which Clean Juice’s USDA-certified organic model addresses. Technology integration, such as mobile apps, in-store kiosks for ordering, customization, and efficient delivery services, is also a critical trend shaping the industry. There is a clear demand for "clean label" products, where transparency in ingredient sourcing and a reduction in artificial additives are paramount, a core tenet of the Clean Juice brand. The rising demand for leisure and entertainment activities is a significant driver, as nearly 94% of individuals aged 15 and over in the U.S. engaged in leisure and sports activities on an average day in 2024, spending an average of 5.07 hours, frequently consuming snacks and beverages in social and recreational settings. North America is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region in the snack and non-alcoholic beverage bars market, providing a favorable geographic context for Clean Juice’s expansion. The sustainable beverages market, a highly relevant segment for Clean Juice, was valued at USD 976.25 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 2,215.02 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.61%, with non-alcoholic beverages constituting its largest segment due to their high appeal among health-conscious consumers. This confluence of macro forces creates a compelling opportunity for franchise investment in the healthy beverage and snack sector, where Clean Juice is strategically positioned.

For prospective investors considering a Clean Juice franchise investment, understanding the financial requirements is paramount. The initial Clean Juice franchise fee, as indicated by a 2026 source, stands at $45,000, although other sources cite figures from $30,000 up to $42,500. This fee structure is competitive within the broader healthy fast-casual category, reflecting the value of a USDA-certified organic brand and established system. Notably, Clean Juice offers a 5% discount off the franchise fee for qualified veterans, providing an accessible entry point for those who have served. The total initial investment required to open a Clean Juice franchise spans a considerable range, from $177,000 to $419,000. More detailed breakdowns reveal specific ranges such as $243,000 to $419,000 for a traditional store, $176,500 to $311,500 for a non-traditional store, $259,000 to $502,500, and even $286,000 to $543,000, with an average total investment for over 100 stores opened cited as $400,000. This spread is primarily driven by factors such as the chosen format (traditional vs. non-traditional), geographic location, real estate leasehold improvements, and equipment costs. The initial investment covers a comprehensive list of expenses, including lease deposits and rent ranging from $4,000 to $9,000, architect/engineer/drawing fees between $8,000 and $15,000, permits costing $1,500 to $3,000, and interior improvements representing a significant portion at $108,000 to $180,000. Other essential costs include a signage package ($7,500 – $12,000), smallwares, furniture, fixtures, digital menu boards, and equipment ($53,000 – $110,000), a POS system ($4,500 – $5,500), initial inventory and uniforms ($3,500 – $10,000), pre-opening training expenses ($3,000 – $6,500), a new store marketing plan fee ($5,000), insurance deposit ($3,000 – $7,000), professional fees ($2,000 – $6,000), and critical additional funds for three months of operations, estimated at $10,000 to $20,000 to ensure adequate working capital. To qualify for a Clean Juice franchise, interested parties must possess at least $150,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $500,000, positioning it as a mid-tier to premium franchise investment that requires substantial financial capacity. Ongoing fees include a royalty rate of 6.00% of gross sales and a contribution of 2.00% of gross sales to the advertising fund, also known as the national brand fund, for system-wide marketing efforts, with one source mentioning an ad royalty fee range of 1-3%. The acquisition of Clean Juice in May 2024 by BRIX Holdings, LLC, a Dallas-based multi-brand franchisor led by CEO Sherif Mityas and Chairman John Antioco, provides significant corporate backing and potential for enhanced resources, while Landon Eckles remains CEO of Clean Juice and Kat Eckles as CVO. Clean Juice also offers financing assistance via third-party lenders, which can aid qualified candidates in securing the necessary capital for their Clean Juice franchise investment.

The operating model for a Clean Juice franchise is designed for active, engaged ownership, emphasizing hands-on management rather than a passive investment. This is not a home-based or absentee ownership opportunity; franchisees are expected to be deeply involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations, with many reporting enjoyment in staying "on the pulse of the business." The typical Clean Juice location requires an average of 20-25 employees, with the majority being part-time "Juiceristas," indicating a significant but manageable staffing requirement for efficient operations. Franchisees often praise their dedicated staff, noting a passion for the brand and its products, with many teenage employees demonstrating a strong work ethic. While specific details on diverse format options like drive-thru or kiosk are not extensively detailed, the varying investment ranges for traditional stores ($243,000 to $419,000) versus non-traditional stores ($176,500 to $311,500) suggest flexibility in store types to suit different real estate opportunities. The comprehensive training program provided by Clean Juice is a cornerstone of its support structure, comprising 70.5 hours of intensive on-the-job training complemented by 24.5 hours of classroom instruction, ensuring franchisees are thoroughly prepared for operational excellence and brand adherence. This foundational training is just the beginning of what franchisees consistently describe as "one of the best in the industry" support structures. The corporate team provides extensive assistance, starting from the critical phase of identifying suitable real estate, guiding franchisees through the entire buildout process of each location, and continuing with robust ongoing operational support even after the store opens. This continuous engagement signifies that the corporate team is "truly invested in our success," as attested by franchisees, who also highlight the unique and helpful development book provided. This comprehensive support, including essential information during challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, helps pave the way for success by minimizing guesswork in daily operations, allowing franchisees more time and energy to focus on growth. The territory structure is designed for significant expansion, with Clean Juice currently registered to license franchises in 47 states and actively working to secure the remaining three, aiming for a 50-state footprint. Multi-unit opportunities are actively supported, with many franchisees experiencing growth and increased revenue by signing multi-unit agreements from the outset or adding stores over time, demonstrating a clear pathway for scaling a Clean Juice franchise investment.

For prospective investors evaluating the Clean Juice franchise opportunity, it is important to note that Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document. This means specific average revenue per unit, median revenue, or detailed profit margin figures are not directly provided within the FDD. However, an analysis of publicly available data, growth trajectory, and franchisee sentiment offers strong indirect indicators of unit-level performance and potential profitability. The brand's 2021 financial report indicated robust system-wide growth, with cumulative same-store sales (SSS) growth of over 20% and guest count (SSGC) growth of 23% in the fourth quarter. For the full year 2021, Clean Juice achieved over 16% SSS growth and successfully served more than 3.3 million guests, marking a significant 41% increase from the previous year. These figures demonstrate consistent and strong revenue generation at the unit level across the system, driven by increasing customer traffic. The brand’s expansion during challenging economic periods further underscores its resilience; in 2020, during the global pandemic, Clean Juice added 29 new franchise locations, awarded to 23 new franchisees, and expanded into three new states, reaching a total of 27 states. By July 2017, just one year after launching its franchise program, there were 5 franchised locations in operation with another 58 in development, rapidly expanding to 100 stores across 23 states within four years. This aggressive unit growth, alongside positive sales and guest count trends, suggests a compelling underlying unit economic model that attracts new investment and supports existing franchisees. Franchisees themselves express positive experiences, with many reporting that communities are "in need of healthy conscious food/drink" and are glad to have a Clean Juice in their area, indicating strong local demand that contributes to unit revenue. Multi-unit franchisees, in particular, have reported experiencing growth and increased revenue, further validating the potential for scaling a Clean Juice franchise investment. The brand's FPI Score of 48, categorized as "Fair," provides an independent, aggregated assessment of its overall franchise system health and performance across various metrics, suggesting a reasonable and stable investment proposition within the industry. While direct profit margins are not disclosed, the healthy growth in revenue and guest counts, coupled with positive franchisee testimonials and continuous expansion plans, points towards a franchise system with promising unit-level financial performance within the robust and growing Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars industry, which is projected to reach $456.47 billion by 2030.

Clean Juice has demonstrated an impressive growth trajectory and cultivated distinct competitive advantages within the healthy fast-casual market. The brand's unit count has consistently trended upwards since its founding in 2014 and the launch of its franchising platform in 2016. By July 2017, there were 5 franchised locations in operation with an additional 58 in development, rapidly expanding to 100 stores across 23 states within just four years of launching its franchise program. Even amidst the global pandemic in 2020, Clean Juice added 29 new franchise locations, awarded to 23 new franchisees, and expanded into three new states, bringing its total presence to 27 states. In 2021, the company projected to award over 60 franchise units, with approximately 35 of them opening for business that year. As of March 2022, Clean Juice had expanded into its 30th and 31st states, Utah and New Hampshire, respectively, signing 14 new stores in the first 2.5 months of the year. More recently, in June 2024, the brand announced the opening of two new stores in Eugene, Oregon, and Prosper, Texas, bringing its national footprint to 79 stores open and three in development, with expected