Baja Smoothies is a mobile, event-based franchise serving fresh fruit smoothies from carts at festivals, corporate events, fundraisers, and high-traffic locations. Founded in 2002 in Stillwater, Minnesota, the brand developed proprietary fruit blends that remain the cornerstone of the business. Franchising since 2023, Baja Smoothies offers 2-cart and 4-cart packages with exclusive territories covering up to 150,000 people — 50% larger than most competitors.
At a Glance
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $50,000
Total Investment: $124,900 – $259,900
Franchise Fee: $29,900
Royalty: $2,995 annually (flat fee)
Ownership Model: Owner-operator (part-time or full-time)
Location Type: Mobile carts — no storefront required
Experience Required: None; event management aptitude and entrepreneurial drive preferred
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- Mobile model — no storefront, no lease, go where the customers are
- Proprietary fruit blend recipe protected from competitors
- Flat $2,995 annual royalty vs. percentage-based fees
- Exclusive territories covering 150,000 people (50% larger than competitors)
- Scalable from 2 carts to multi-unit fleet as demand grows
Baja Smoothies Franchise Opportunity
The U.S. smoothie market generated $5.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $8 billion by 2027, driven by consumer demand for healthy, grab-and-go options. Baja Smoothies captures this growth through a mobile, event-based model that brings the product directly to customers at festivals, fairs, corporate functions, and community events.
The Business Model:
Franchisees operate smoothie carts at events and high-traffic locations. There’s no brick-and-mortar lease, no permanent staff, and no traditional restaurant overhead. You choose which events to work based on your schedule and market opportunities.
The Product:
Baja Smoothies uses a proprietary fruit blend developed and perfected since 2002. Smoothies are made from fresh fruit with fat-free, gluten-free, nut-free, cholesterol-free, and soy-free options available. The recipe is protected and exclusive to franchisees.
The Flexibility:
Operate part-time around another career, full-time during peak season, or build toward year-round operations. Weekend warrior, weekday hustler, or seasonal focus — the model adapts to your goals.
Why Baja Smoothies?
Larger Territories, Greater Opportunity: Baja Smoothies franchisees receive exclusive zip code allocations covering up to 150,000 people — 50% larger than the 100,000-person territories offered by most competitors. Larger territories mean more events, less overlap, and greater earning potential.
Flat Annual Royalty: Pay $2,995 per year regardless of revenue. As your sales grow, your royalty percentage effectively decreases. This structure rewards high performers.
Mobile Flexibility: No lease negotiations, no buildout, no permanent location overhead. Your carts go where the demand is — festivals, corporate campuses, sporting events, farmers markets, and community gatherings.
Scalable Growth: Start with a 2-cart or 4-cart package (double what competitors offer per package). Add carts as demand grows. Many franchisees expand to multi-unit operations covering multiple events simultaneously.
Direct Access to Founder: Work directly with founder Chad Warzeka on launch plans, event selection, and business strategy. The mentorship program provides 24/7 phone access and hands-on support during key stages.
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Timing: Health-conscious consumers increasingly seek convenient, nutritious options. The mobile cart model captures impulse purchases at events where traditional food options are limited and lines are long.
Competitive Edge: Baja Smoothies provides double the carts per package compared to competitors, plus 50% larger territories. Combined with the flat royalty structure, franchisees retain more of what they earn.
Event Economics: High-margin, low-labor operations. Smoothie carts require minimal staffing, no complex kitchen equipment, and generate strong per-unit sales at events with captive, ready-to-buy audiences.
Training and Support
Hands-On Training Includes:
- Cart setup and operations
- Smoothie preparation and quality standards
- Sales strategies for event environments
- Event selection and booking
- Marketing and local promotion
Ongoing Support:
- One-on-One Launch Support — Founder involvement during your first events
- Dedicated Business Coaching — Direct access to Chad Warzeka for strategy and troubleshooting
- Franchise Mentorship Program — Continuous operational and marketing guidance
- 24/7 Phone Access — Never navigate challenges alone
- Franchisee Network — Community of owners sharing strategies and event insights
Who Are We Looking For?
Strong fit indicators:
- Entrepreneurs seeking schedule flexibility and work-life balance
- Comfortable working events, festivals, and outdoor venues
- Sales-oriented with strong people skills
- Interested in starting part-time and scaling up
- Community connectors who can identify and book local events
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT A Good Fit for This Franchise
- Do you want a traditional storefront business with set hours?
- Are you uncomfortable working outdoor events in varying weather?
- Do you lack the initiative to identify and book events in your territory?
- Are you looking for completely passive income?
- Do you have less than $50,000 in liquid capital?
If you answered yes to any of these, this franchise may not be the right fit. Baja Smoothies rewards hustle, flexibility, and entrepreneurial initiative.
Investment Readiness Check
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $50,000 — required for consideration
- Ownership timeline: Expect 3-6 months from signing to first events (cart delivery, training, event booking)
- Credit and net worth will be evaluated during qualification
- Third-party financing available for qualified candidates
- Territory availability varies by market — exclusive zip code allocations covering up to 150,000 people
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need food service experience? A. No. Training covers everything from cart setup to smoothie preparation. Entrepreneurial drive and people skills matter more than food industry background.
Q. Can I operate Baja Smoothies part-time? A. Yes. The mobile model allows you to choose events that fit your schedule — weekends only, seasonal focus, or full-time operations. Many franchisees start part-time and scale up.
Q. How many carts do I start with? A. Baja Smoothies offers 2-cart and 4-cart packages — double what most competitors provide. You can add carts as your business grows.
Q. What events work best? A. Festivals, fairs, corporate events, fundraisers, farmers markets, sporting events, and community gatherings. Training includes event selection strategy and booking guidance.
Q. What makes the smoothies different? A. Baja Smoothies uses a proprietary fruit blend developed since 2002. The recipe is protected and exclusive to franchisees, with fresh fruit and options that are fat-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and cholesterol-free.
Next Steps
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Baja Smoothies.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.