Leading Smoothie, Açaí Bowl and Raw Juice Chain Increases Sales 13%, Improves Guest Traffic and Accelerates Franchise Expansion
Irvine, CA (Restaurant News Release) Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, raw juice, açaí and superfruit bowl chains for over 30 years, has maintained an impressive growth trajectory through the first half of 2026. Juice It Up! recorded a strong midyear performance systemwide, which was propelled by increases in guest traffic, new menu innovations and even more franchise expansion initiatives. The brand grew total system sales 13% year over year while same-store sales climbed 9.2%. The increases were fueled by a 7.3% jump in guest traffic, underscoring continued consumer demand for Juice It Up!’s popular offerings.
“Our performance through the first half of 2026 demonstrates that more and more consumers are prioritizing fresh, functional products that fit seamlessly into their daily routines, and we’re experiencing growth across virtually every aspect of our business,” said Susan Taylor, President and CEO of Juice It Up!. “From guest traffic and sales to development and menu innovation, our momentum shows that we’re resonating with consumers and franchise partners as we continue to position the brand for long-term regional growth.”
Juice It Up!’s impressive midyear performance in 2026 builds on several years of sustained momentum. Compared to the first half of 2023, same-store sales have climbed 27%, while transactions have increased 14%, reflecting consistent gains in guest frequency and new customer acquisition as the chain grows its position in the better-for-you beverage and bowl category. The brand’s half-year success was reflected across the entire Juice It Up! system, with unit-level economics remaining among the strongest in the category. The top 25% and 50% of Juice It Up! locations achieved average unit volumes of $944,073 and $802,295 respectively, contributing to a systemwide average of $634,294 with seven individual locations surpassing $1 million in annual sales. The impressive results demonstrate consistent operational strength throughout the franchise system and reinforce the appeal of the business model for existing and prospective franchisees.
“What excites us most is that our growth isn’t being driven by a single initiative – it’s the result of multiple parts of the business performing at exceptionally high levels simultaneously,” said Chris Britt, Co-Chairman and Co-Owner of Juice It Up!. “We’re attracting new franchisees, increasing guest frequency, introducing products consumers genuinely want, and expanding thoughtfully into new markets, so to say we’re firing on all cylinders would be a tremendous understatement!”
Rising sales and accelerating brand momentum have been the result of a disciplined innovation strategy centered on protein, personalization and functional ingredients. During the first half of 2026, the brand introduced its customizable superfruit bowl platform, giving guests greater flexibility to personalize their bowls. The launch helped to drive bowl sales 12.2% higher than the prior year. Juice It Up! also expanded its highly successful Zone lineup, with the protein-focused limited-time offerings accounting for more than 10% of Q1 sales. In Q2, Juice It Up! debuted Chobani® Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothies. The partnership quickly became one of the brand’s strongest-performing menu introductions, generating more than 12% year-over-year growth in the protein smoothie category and an additional $1.3 million in protein smoothie sales.
Complementing an array of appealing menu innovations, Juice It Up! continued its national growth push during the first half of 2026 by reaching a 100-location milestone with the opening of its Gardnerville, Nevada, store. The brand also expanded into additional markets, signed new development agreements throughout Texas and Utah, and secured future locations in Las Vegas and the California High Desert community. In total, Juice It Up! is expected to open more than 10 stores in 2026, with another 12 locations currently in development. The chain is actively pursuing expansion throughout rapidly growing communities in Texas, Utah, Arizona, Oregon and non-traditional venues, including airports and universities.
“As we look toward the second half of 2026, we’re going to build on our remarkable midyear momentum by focusing on continued franchise growth, thoughtful menu innovation and greater access to the Juice It Up! brand in traditional and emerging markets,” added Ed St. Geme, Co-Chairman and Co-Owner of Juice It Up!.
With a proven franchise business model spanning over 30 years, plus strong sales, menu innovation and brand momentum, Juice It Up! is expecting the remainder of 2026 to be marked by even more interest from passionate single, multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees drawn to a highly recognizable, successful and market-leading franchise concept that’s committed to doubling its unit count in the next four years. For more information about the Juice It Up! brand and available franchise opportunities, visit JuiceItUpFranchise.com.
About Juice It Up!
Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading açai bowl, handcrafted smoothie and raw juice chains, was founded in 1995 with its Franchise Support Center now located in Irvine, California. Juice It Up!’s menu is designed with flavor and functionality in mind, resulting in products that not only taste great, but also support an active lifestyle. With nearly 130 locations open and under development across California, New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma and Texas, the company boasts an attractive and modern store design, strong digital ordering technology, a focus on functional products and ingredient transparency and a menu that reflects the brand’s active personality and motto to “Live Life Juiced!” In addition to its existing territories throughout the Western United States, Juice It Up! is seeking expansion in Nevada and Utah. For more information about becoming a Juice It Up! franchise partner, visit JuiceItUpFranchise.com.
Juice It Up! Social Media Pages
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juiceitup/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/juiceitup/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/juiceituphq/
Juice It Up! Media Contact:
Kristyna Otto
Powerhouse+Co.
kristyna@powerhouseandco.com