NEW ORLEANS - (Business Wire) Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the originator of the nutritional fruit-based smoothie, today announced that it has appointed David W. Stidham as National Marketing Director, and David Tornabene and Pat Vanderpool as Regional Directors of Operations.
A seasoned restaurant marketer, Stidham will be responsible for leading the brand’s marketing communications strategy. He brings more than 10 years of national brand strategy, advertising and franchise marketing experience to the Smoothie King team. Stidham previously served as Vice President of Marketing for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and also served as VP of Marketing at Piccadilly Restaurants and Director of Marketing for Shoney’s restaurants. Stidham will work out of Smoothie King’s home office in New Orleans.
“David has a track record of creating excellent results through his aggressive, strategic marketing programs for some of the nation’s top consumer brands and restaurant companies,” said Tom Fletcher, COO of Smoothie King. “His dynamic, results-oriented approach will be instrumental for Smoothie King as we move into the next phase of our brand evolution.”
As Regional Directors of Operations, Tornabene and Vanderpool will utilize their experience working with multiple unit operations to oversee regional Smoothie King teams that support local business growth.
“David and Pat bring a wealth of experience to support and lead our Smoothie King field teams and ultimately, our franchisees,” said Fletcher. “These appointments represent our commitment to the growth of the Smoothie King brand.”
Tornabene comes to Smoothie King with 25 years of restaurant experience, including work with the Celebration Station, Al Copeland Enterprises and Burger King brands. Most recently, Tornabene served as a Franchise Consultant for Popeye's. He will work out of the New Orleans office.
Vanderpool brings nearly 20 years of franchising experience to his new post. He has served as District Manager, Business Consultant and Business Consultant Specialist for Baskin Robbins, and went on to the roles of Director of Retail Operations and then Director of Franchise Services for Baskin Robbins/Dunkin’ Donuts/Togo's. Vanderpool will work from Atlanta to oversee the brand’s growth and opportunities in Georgia and Florida.
After several years of opening more than 50 franchised locations each year, Smoothie King expects to open more than 125 in 2008, including adding several to the 25 existing locations in South Korea.
To date, more than 200 million Smoothie King smoothies have been served at more than 500 locations in 32 states across the United States and in South Korea. Smoothie King is consistently ranked number one in its category and ranked number 109 in the top 500 franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as ranked number 99 as a top global franchise.
About Smoothie King Franchises, Inc.
Smoothie King is a privately held, New Orleans-area-based franchise company and the premier Smoothie Bar and Nutritional Lifestyle Center in the industry. Smoothie King Centers offer guests the industry’s first, original nutritional fruit- and function-based, fresh-blended smoothies. Each Lifestyle Center also offers healthy retail product solutions, including sports beverages, energy bars, healthy snacks, vitamin supplements, herbs, minerals and other sports nutrition products. Smoothie King opened its first store in 1973 and started as the first franchised smoothie bar/health food store business in the United States in 1989. Smoothie King currently has more than 500 units operating in 32 states and the Republic of Korea. For more information, visit www.smoothieking.com.
For Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., New Orleans
Stephanie Webb, 513-285-2136
stephaniewebb@sjp.com
or
Katherine Meariman, 985-635-6973, ext. 128
katherinem@smoothieking.com
