Jamba Juice

Jamba Juice began in 1990 when Kirk Perron, an avid cyclist and health advocate, opened Juice Club in San Luis Obispo, California. Dissatisfied with the quality of post workout snacks available at the time, Perron opened the first location on March 31, 1990. The company adopted the Jamba Juice name in 1995, inspired by a West African word meaning celebration. One dataset lists 36 total units, 48 franchised units and no company owned units, while the brand reported more than 770 locations in 34 U.S. states by March 30, 2025. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document lists 726 franchised Jamba Juice locations in the United States, including 529 in the West region. In 2019, the brand had more than 850 locations across 36 states and international markets including Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong. By March 2025, its international markets also included Singapore, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Jamba sells blended fruit and vegetable beverages, smoothies and other food products. The global smoothies market was valued at USD 21.39 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 32.07 Billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2032. The United States fruit juice market was valued at USD 55.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 77.5 Billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.80% from 2025 to 2033. PeerSense provides an independent review for buyers and is a commercial capital advisory firm, not a lender.

Jamba operates in markets supported by demand for health focused products, functional juices and convenient meals or snacks. Consumers have shown interest in plant based and superfood ingredients, including acai, kale and chia seeds, along with fresh and organic options. Smoothies and juices also appeal to people seeking convenient nutrition. The category has a simpler operating model than full service dining, although competition includes Smoothie King, Tropical Smoothie Café, Starbucks and McDonald's. Jamba's market presence dates to 1990, and its menu has changed with consumer health preferences. Post pandemic health priorities, rising disposable incomes and urbanization that supports quick service formats also affect the category. The global smoothies market was valued at USD 21.39 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 32.07 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2032. The United States fruit juice market was valued at USD 55.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 77.5 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.80% from 2025 to 2033.

The initial franchise fee is $35,500. Veterans receive $15,500 off this fee, or a 10% discount for 2026. Total initial investment ranges from $243,000 to $1,133,000. A traditional unit without a drive thru costs $468,650 to $806,250, while a traditional unit with a drive thru costs $505,000 to $928,800. Nontraditional formats, including kiosks and locations inside larger venues, require $243,425 to $746,850. A cobranded Auntie Anne's location requires $460,375 to $1,133,000. The investment midpoint is approximately $719,500. Construction and build out costs range from $200,000 to $390,400, permits from $1,800 to $21,000, equipment packages from $146,300 to $180,250, millwork from $9,000 to $20,500, and initial equipment and supply fees from $30,000 to $40,000. Required liquid cash ranges from $120,000 to $125,000. Expected minimum net worth is $300,000. Multi unit operators generally need $1 million in net worth and $350,000 in liquid assets. Working capital is estimated at $15,000 to $43,000. Franchisees with four or more stores pay 5.5%, while those with three or fewer stores pay 6%. Drive thru locations receive a 1% royalty reduction during the first year. Atlanta based GoTo Foods acquired the brand in 2019 and is an affiliate of private equity firm Roark Capital Group.

Jamba stores typically use blenders and a combination refrigerator and freezer rather than hoods, stoves or grills. A shift generally requires 2 or 3 staff members, while the average franchise has 13 employees for broader coverage. Formats include traditional inline stores, drive thru locations, kiosks and nontraditional units. Typical store size is 1,000 to 1,500 square feet, and dual branding is available. Training combines online modules with 2 to 3 weeks of hands on instruction at a certified training store. Topics include BOOST guest service standards, recipes, preparation, ordering, operating procedures, the POS system, store layout, manager and team member training, hiring, local marketing and company culture. Support includes site selection, lease negotiation, cooperative advertising, a franchise support center, field consultants, accounting and financial coaching, marketing assistance and real estate guidance. Available territories include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The West region has 529 franchise locations. An owner operator approach is generally expected.

Jamba had 30 franchised and company owned stores in California in 1996. By 2010, the San Francisco based chain had 800 locations nationwide, including 473 franchises. In the fourth quarter ended December 30, 2014, it had 868 worldwide units, including 263 company owned and 543 franchised units in the United States, plus 62 franchised international locations. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document lists 863 franchised units and 52 company owned units. March 30, 2025 data reports more than 770 locations across 34 U.S. states, while the 2025 FDD lists 726 franchised U.S. locations and 529 in the West. In 2015, Jamba planned to become more than 90% franchised by the end of the fiscal year.

Jamba grew from 30 stores in 1996 to 800 nationwide locations in 2010 and 868 worldwide units in 2014. In November 2012, the company announced plans to open up to 120 stores in selected California territories over six to seven years through company locations and multi store development agreements. By March 30, 2025, it reported more than 770 locations in 34 U.S. states, and the 2025 FDD listed 726 franchised U.S. locations. Jamba acquired Zuka Juice, which had nearly 100 stores, in 1999. Services Acquisition Corp. International purchased Jamba Juice for $265 million in 2006 and later changed its name to Jamba, Inc. In 2009, the menu expanded to wraps, sandwiches and flatbreads. Atlanta based Focus Brands, now GoTo Foods, acquired the company in 2019 and rebranded it from Jamba Juice to Jamba. The change reflected the broader menu and reduced reliance on the word juice. The brand's long operating history, supply chain, flexible formats and use of drive thrus, kiosks and nontraditional locations support its competitive position. A September 2020 agreement with ADASTRIA eat Creations Inc. targeted 50 Jamba locations in Japan by 2025, with the first two opened in Tokyo. Those locations feature the original regional smoothie The Sorairo Cozy, made with local ingredients. Jamba has also extended smoothie inspired products into grocery aisles, freezers, pantries and direct to consumer delivery in the United States and Canada. The brand was named one of the top 50 franchises in the 2010 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards.

A suitable Jamba franchisee should connect with the brand's focus on health, wellness and community. Franchisees describe the concept as well blended, fun and dynamic. The simple equipment package can suit managers with limited food service experience, although leadership and team management remain important. One franchisee described a learning curve after acquiring corporate run locations, where existing employees did not always have the expected experience. Multi unit candidates generally need $1 million in net worth and $350,000 in liquid assets. The royalty falls to 5.5% for four or more stores, compared with 6% for three or fewer, supporting multi unit development. Franchise opportunities are available across 34 states and the District of Columbia, with specific opportunities in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.