Smoothie King began in Kenner, Louisiana in 1973 when Steve and Cindy Kuhnau opened their first vitamin shop that sold smoothie blends. The company later relocated its headquarters to Coppell in 2018 under CEO Wan Kim’s leadership to capitalize on Texas’ business-friendly environment. This strategic move helped accelerate the brand’s expansion from about 600 units when Kim acquired it in 2012 to well over 1,200 locations today. The full story reveals an impressive nutritional revolution.
Setting the Record Straight: Smoothie King’s Louisiana Origins
Three key facts dispel the common misconception about Smoothie King’s origins: it wasn’t founded in Coppell, Texas, but in Kenner (New Orleans metro) in 1973. Steve Kuhnau and his wife Cindy established the first location in the New Orleans area as a vitamin shop that also sold innovative smoothie blends.
The brand’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in Louisiana, where Kuhnau developed his first smoothies to address his own lactose intolerance. Despite its current global presence and corporate moves that may have blurred its regional reputation, Smoothie King celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2003 acknowledging these Louisiana roots. In 2012, the Kuhnaus sold the company to Wan Kim, who became the CEO of Smoothie King.
The company’s health-focused mission began in this first modest shop before expanding through franchising to become the international brand you know today. Unlike Schertz, Texas with its rich history dating back to 1843, Smoothie King has a much more recent but equally impactful origin story.
The Kuhnau Family Vision: From Health Food Store to Smoothie Pioneer
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Visionaries Steve and Cindy Kuhnau transformed their personal health journey into a groundbreaking business when they opened their first health food store in 1973. Steve’s experimentation with fruit and protein blends—born from his own health needs—became the foundation for America’s first dedicated smoothie bar.
The Kuhnaus’ passion for nutrition drove them to educate customers about wellness through their innovative drinks. Their health-focused approach wasn’t just about selling products—it was about building a wellness-minded culture that could impact lives positively. The company moved its headquarters to Coppell, Texas in 2018, expanding from its Louisiana roots. Like Colleyville residents who value a balanced community life, Smoothie King customers appreciate the brand’s commitment to healthy living options.
Coining the “Smoothie” Revolution: How a Term Became an Industry
Long before Smoothie King became a household name, the term “smoothie” was making its way into American vocabulary. The 1930s saw health food counters on the West Coast using electric blenders to create fruit-based drinks, setting the foundation for what would become a multibillion-dollar category.
Smoothie marketing and culture evolved through several key developments:
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Stephen Poplawski’s 1922 blender patent revolutionized how Americans consumed fruit
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Orange Julius became iconic after the 1964 New York World’s Fair
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The 1960s–70s natural foods movement pushed smoothies toward the mainstream
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Early-2000s trends expanded with green smoothies and protein add-ins
In 1973, the predecessor to Smoothie King opened its doors, marking another significant milestone in the smoothie industry’s development.
You’re witnessing a linguistic evolution that grew from a simple product descriptor to an entire beverage category that continues to expand today.
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The Big Move to Texas: Establishing Headquarters in Coppell
In 2018, Smoothie King relocated its corporate headquarters from the New Orleans area to Coppell, Texas, marking a strategic pivot in the company’s growth trajectory. Under Wan Kim’s leadership, the move positioned the brand within the Dallas–Fort Worth talent market while leveraging Texas’ business-friendly incentives.
Settling at 9797 Rombauer Road in the Cypress Waters development, Smoothie King partnered with Pacific Builders, Pritchard, and Corgan to create a headquarters reflecting their culture of wellness. The modern space features artisanal graphics, bike racks, and shower rooms—all emphasizing an employee-wellness focus. The approximately 18,000-sq-ft office provides room for the company’s operational needs.
This calculated relocation improved logistics, enhanced talent acquisition, and strengthened franchisee communications, ultimately supporting expansion plans across the DFW metroplex and beyond.
Global Growth Under Wan Kim’s Leadership
Wan Kim’s remarkable journey with Smoothie King began long before his CEO title, when he opened the brand’s first international franchise in South Korea in 2003. Within six years, he built more than 100 locations, demonstrating his talent for international market penetration even where smoothies were new.
After acquiring the company in 2012 when it had roughly 600 units, Kim’s leadership guided Smoothie King into a global wellness brand:
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Expanded to 1,200+ locations across the U.S. and abroad
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Secured significant growth capital to fuel expansion
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Sustained multi-year streaks of new-store commitments from franchisees
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Strengthened global positioning through partnerships with Main Post Partners
Kim’s vision extends beyond smoothies—he’s building a lifestyle brand that promotes healthy habits while staying true to the company’s core mission.
The Evolution of the Smoothie King Menu and Brand Identity
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Transformation defines the journey of Smoothie King’s menu and brand identity over the past decade. Under Wan Kim starting in 2012, the brand repositioned itself from a sugary-treat stop to a wellness company.
The 2015–2019 overhaul phased out artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives via the “No No List,” and a large share of the lineup now offers no added sugar options. You’ll notice the 2014 logo change to a red crown symbolizing community and wellness commitment. That same year, Smoothie King secured naming rights with the New Orleans Pelicans’ arena, reinforcing its link to sports and fitness.
Menu customization expanded dramatically, letting you tailor smoothies to specific nutritional goals. From the classic Angel Food to today’s smoothie bowls (launched in 2023), Smoothie King has kept its health-focused roots while adapting to modern wellness demands.
Strategic Partnerships and the Smoothie King Center
The landmark 2014 naming-rights deal for New Orleans Arena marked Smoothie King’s boldest partnership to date, transforming the venue into the Smoothie King Center (“SKC”). The partnership delivers powerful brand visibility during NBA games, concerts, and major events.
This venue collaboration with the New Orleans Pelicans provides:
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Enhanced brand positioning that links Smoothie King with sports, fitness, and entertainment
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Cross-promotions during NBA games and All-Star events hosted in 2014 and 2017
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Premium exposure to millions of visitors at the ~18,500-capacity arena
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Strategic visibility in the Central Business District
A significant renovation before the 2014–15 season elevated the guest experience and amplified the partnership’s value.
Financial Milestones and Market Dominance
Smoothie King’s financial evolution showcases steady growth from a niche health concept to a global smoothie leader. Store-level sales productivity has improved meaningfully since the late 2000s, reflecting strong customer loyalty and franchise scalability.
Remaining privately held has enabled focused decision-making while achieving notable milestones—expanding to 1,100+ units across 30+ states and international markets. A strategic capital infusion in 2012 helped accelerate growth, while consistent recognition on industry rankings—such as Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500—underscores its category leadership.
Rather than chase fads, Smoothie King has emphasized unit economics, menu innovation, and health-centric positioning, helping the brand outperform many specialty beverage rivals.
Community Impact: Beyond Blending Fruits and Nutrition
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Beyond fruit combinations, Smoothie King’s community approach aims to make neighborhoods healthier. You’ll find locations thoughtfully placed near fitness centers, campuses, and commuter corridors, increasing access to convenient, nutritious choices.
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Customizable smoothies accommodate diverse dietary needs, fostering inclusive nutrition
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Local franchise ownership drives small-business entrepreneurship and neighborhood jobs
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Multi-unit development brings new investment and supports nearby retailers
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Drive-thru and in-line formats keep better-for-you options convenient for busy lifestyles
When you visit Smoothie King, you’re supporting a business that invests in its communities through local employment, tax contributions, and health education. The brand’s continued growth in Coppell and the DFW area reflects its commitment to building healthier, more vibrant communities.
