Smoothie King

Smoothie King is a privately held American company specializing in the sale of smoothies and related products. Founded in 1973 by Steve and Cindy Kuhnau in Kenner, Louisiana, the company pioneered the smoothie industry and coined the term "smoothie" for their blended beverages.

In 2012, Smoothie King was acquired by South Korean franchisee Wan Kim, who later became the CEO. Under his leadership, the company has experienced significant growth, expanding its presence both domestically and internationally.

As of 2021, Smoothie King operates over 1,200 locations across the United States and has international franchises in South Korea, the Cayman Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The company's menu features a wide variety of smoothies designed to cater to different health and wellness goals. These include options for weight management, fitness, and general well-being.

Smoothie King has emphasized the use of whole fruits, organic vegetables, and purposeful powders in their blends, eliminating added sugars, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Naming Rights and Partnerships

In 2014, Smoothie King entered into a naming rights agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans, renaming the New Orleans Arena to the Smoothie King Center.

This partnership was renewed in December 2023, ensuring the venue continues to bear the Smoothie King name.

Locations and Presence

Smoothie King has a significant presence in various U.S. cities including:

• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Miami, Florida
• Washington, D.C.
• Wichita, Kansas
• Spring, Texas
• Pembroke Pines, Florida
• Hialeah, Florida
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Pearland, Texas
• The Woodlands, Texas
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cincinnati, Ohio

The company continues to expand its footprint, offering customers convenient access to their health-focused smoothies across the nation.