SoFresh

SoFresh was founded in 2013 in Tampa, Florida, by John Williams, a University of Florida alumnus whose commitment to fitness and purposeful living shaped the concept. Williams opened the first location in Tampa in 2014, offering customizable bowls, wraps, and smoothies for health conscious customers seeking speed and nutrition. Clay Donato joined as a business partner in 2020 after building successful franchise restaurant brands. Williams became founder, partner, and vice president of operations, while Donato became partner and vice president of development. By early 2024, SoFresh had over 40 locations open or in active development. By 2025, it reported 23 open restaurants and 17 additional units in the pipeline. The brand operates in Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, within a global limited service restaurant market valued at approximately 1.2 trillion dollars in 2024. This analysis is produced independently by PeerSense franchise intelligence and reflects no commercial relationship with SoFresh or its franchisee recruitment team.

The global limited service restaurant market was valued at 1.2 trillion dollars in 2024 and is projected to reach 1.4 trillion dollars by 2030 at a 3.2 percent compound annual growth rate. Another forecast places the market at approximately 1.44 trillion dollars by 2034, with a roughly 5.7 percent CAGR from 2025 to 2034. SoFresh addresses that preference through bowls built with two bases, three mix ins, one sauce, and a protein. Regional competition remains fragmented, giving brands with consistent operations and recognition room to establish themselves in markets without an existing healthy bowl concept.

The SoFresh franchise begins with a 25,000 dollar franchise fee covering brand and trademark use, the business model, proprietary operating systems, initial training, and pre opening support. Turn key development costs range from approximately 295,500 dollars to 692,000 dollars. A separate estimate places total costs at 350,000 to 550,000 dollars depending on site conditions, while PeerSense records 424,000 to 683,450 dollars from current FDD filings. Locations range from 500 to 1,800 square feet, with an optimum size of 1,200 to 1,600 square feet. Existing furnishings and fixtures may reduce build out costs. The royalty is 6 percent of gross sales. Advertising disclosures vary: 1.5 percent for national advertising, 2.5 percent for a national cooperative fee, or 1 percent local plus 1.5 percent national. Buyers should confirm the current structure in Item 6 of the FDD. Minimum liquidity ranges from 85,000 to 150,000 dollars, and the net worth requirement is 500,000 dollars. With a cost ceiling near 683,000 dollars and a 25,000 dollar franchise fee, SoFresh is a mid tier fast casual investment, below many national full service concepts and above some counter model conversions.

SoFresh uses a made to order kitchen serving warm bowls, cold bowls, wraps, quesadillas, smoothies, and juices to vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, and gluten intolerant customers. Its 500 to 1,800 square foot footprint, with an optimal range of 1,200 to 1,600 square feet, supports a lean staffing model. Restaurant experience is not required. The brand says willingness to learn and follow its operating manuals matters more than prior industry experience. Training covers food preparation, back of house and front of house management, food safety, customer service, point of sale software, and financial management. It includes hands on location training and assistance from a dedicated opening team. Support includes brokers for site selection under location guidelines, marketing strategies, operating systems, and email support. SoFresh says its leadership and support structure represents over 30 years of collective franchise experience. The company offers single unit and multi unit structures and is recruiting in Central and South Florida and across the broader Eastern United States. Its onboarding process runs from application through grand opening, and existing franchisees have described the corporate team as attentive and responsive.

At a 6 percent royalty, that figure implies approximately 67,700 dollars in annual royalties per unit. Buyers should model advertising, rent, labor, food, and management costs as well.

SoFresh grew from one Tampa location in 2014 to 16 open or committed locations by August 2021, 20 open and operating restaurants by 2024, and 23 open locations with 17 in development by 2025. That 17 unit pipeline compared with 23 open restaurants indicates a ratio of nearly 3 to 4 and supports near term expansion. The brand's report of over 40 locations open or on the way in early 2024, together with its 2025 figures, suggests net growth of approximately 5 to 7 units per year during the recent expansion period. SoFresh installed its first self ordering kiosk prototype at Champions Gate, launched a new app and online ordering platform within a 90 day window as of August 2021, and continues to develop its digital systems as limited service delivery sales have risen by over 20 percent in one year. At least five new Central Florida locations are planned. A unit at 522 East Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach, Florida, within Sunshine Square Plaza, was planned as of October 2025, and a Spring Hill, Florida location at 170 Mariner Blvd was preparing to open in February 2026. Since 2014, SoFresh has created more than 350 jobs, with Champions Gate expected to add close to 30 positions. Its menu serves six dietary profiles: vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, gluten intolerant, and conventional.

The preferred SoFresh candidate is an owner operator with management discipline, community involvement, and an interest in health and wellness. Restaurant experience is not required, and the training program supports motivated first time operators. Multi unit development is encouraged. The brand is focused on Central and South Florida and the broader Eastern United States, with candidates positioned to develop two to three units across a metro area likely to find the strongest territorial opportunities. Qualified buyers need 85,000 to 150,000 dollars in unencumbered cash and a 500,000 dollar net worth. Territories include Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, with the highest concentration of current development along the Florida peninsula. Buyers seeking the highest growth corridor should review Central and South Florida. The corporate team supports the process from application through opening. With more than a decade since the first unit opened, resale and transfer markets for established restaurants are beginning to emerge.

SoFresh is a regional fast casual brand beyond its startup phase, still below the saturation level of a national chain, and expanding through franchising. The brand operates within a global limited service market valued at 1.2 trillion dollars in 2024, projected to grow at a 3.2 percent CAGR to 1.4 trillion dollars by 2030. PeerSense assigns SoFresh a Loan Activity Score of 63, rated Moderate. Explore the complete SoFresh franchise profile on PeerSense for additional independent franchise intelligence.