Who Owns Tropical Smoothie Cafe?

Blackstone, the investment firm that bought Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2024 in a deal reported at around $2 billion.

1993 foundedBlackstone owner2024 acquiredAtlanta headquarters
Short answer: Tropical Smoothie Cafe is owned by funds managed by Blackstone, which bought the chain in 2024 from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners in a deal reported at about $2 billion. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, and nearly all of its more than 1,500 cafes are franchised.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe history

Tropical Smoothie Cafe started in 1993 as a smoothie stand in Tallahassee, Florida. The first full cafe with food opened in Atlanta in 1997, and the chain began franchising soon after.

Year What happened
1993 Smoothie stand opens in Tallahassee, Florida
1997 First cafe with food opens in Atlanta
2024 Blackstone buys Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

Why Blackstone bought it

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has been one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the US, with strong sales from smoothies, wraps and flatbreads and a franchise model that needs little company money to open new cafes.

See the menu

Smoothie and food prices are on the Tropical Smoothie Cafe menu.

Related Questions

Is Tropical Smoothie Cafe publicly traded?

No. It is privately owned by Blackstone funds.

When did Blackstone buy Tropical Smoothie Cafe?

In 2024.

Where did Tropical Smoothie Cafe start?

As a smoothie stand in Tallahassee, Florida in 1993.

Where is Tropical Smoothie Cafe headquartered?

Atlanta, Georgia.

Is Tropical Smoothie Cafe a franchise?

Yes. Nearly all cafes are franchised.

How many Tropical Smoothie Cafes are there?

More than 1,500.

More on Tropical Smoothie Cafe

About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Details come from public sources and were checked in October 2026. See current prices on the Tropical Smoothie Cafe menu.