Smoothie King announced today a test of its new text-to-order technology following an incredible year in 2021 that saw a 16.5 percent year-over-year growth in domestic sales and a record $834,562 average unit volume (AUV) for the top 25% of franchised locations. The worldwide smoothie brand is launching the initiative in Chicago and Jacksonville to provide a more modern guest experience while increasing franchisees’ top-line digital sales.

A partnership with HungerRush and its OrderAI platform shows that the world’s largest smoothie brand is willing to invest in new technology that will help its franchisees make more money and serve better smoothies to customers. You can order smoothies from Smoothie King through text message. You can then pick up and enjoy your smoothie at a Smoothie King store near you.

Smoothie King’s Chief Information Officer, Chris Andrews, states that they are 100 percent committed to two goals: expanding the ways our guests may enjoy our smoothies and growing sales and profitability for franchise owners. The launch of their text-to-order platform demonstrates our brand’s continued commitment to innovation and being one step ahead of the competition. They are the first to market with this functionality in the quick-service restaurant segment and plan to roll it out throughout the year.

Operationally, the SMS ordering option will be consistent with the simplicity of operation that Smoothie King franchisees have grown to anticipate. OrderAI learns and understands Smoothie King’s menu using Artificial Intelligence and begins tracking preferences and predicting orders – ultimately improving the likelihood that consumers will order again. Once an order is placed through text message, it is processed just like any other order at the store level, saving employees time receiving phone orders and increasing order accuracy by an estimated 99 percent.

The debut of text-to-order follows a string of significant victories for the brand last year, many of which were fuelled by great digital performance. These include the healthy rewards app, online ordering for pickup and delivery, a diverse network of third-party delivery partners, and the addition of tablet tablets to drive-thru outlets. The addition of the text-to-order feature will only bolster store-level performance and propel the brand forward. Smoothie King’s goal in 2022 will concentrate on assisting franchisees in increasing unit volume and EBITDA.

Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand with over 1,300 locations, has grown same-store sales for nine consecutive years by providing skillfully prepared blends that support its guests’ healthy and active lifestyles. To learn more, visit www.smoothiekingfranchise.com.

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