How New Orleans Original Daiquiris Helps Its Franchise Partners Turn Great Times into Great Profits

For a legacy brand with strong customer loyalty, any change can be a tough sell. Such is the reason why New Orleans Original Daiquiris is truly unique: over its 35-year history, the brand has shaped itself in response to the changing preferences of a new generation of consumers while still honoring the tradition of its namesake city every step of the way. In the process, New Orleans Original Daiquiris has become a Louisiana staple and even grown beyond state lines to more than 30 domestic and international locations with its sister concept, Fat Tuesday.

At New Orleans Original Daiquiris, the specialty frozen cocktails aren’t the only things that come free-flowing; average gross sales per location cross the $700,000 threshold. New Orleans Original Daiquiris' strong unit-level economics can be directly traced back to its focus on the experience in every corner of the business: the experience of New Orleans, the experience of its customers and the experience of its franchisees and licensees.

Through its simple concept, turnkey operations model and strong corporate support systems, New Orleans Original Daiquiris is as compelling an investment for interested entrepreneurs as anything out there, with the returns to match. Just ask Scott Marks, whose journey with the brand began back in 1993. Now a 26-year franchisee and almost 10-year veteran of the brand’s corporate team, Marks has grown from a single location in Laplace, Louisiana to 14 across the state—a testament to the brand’s scalability.

Franchise partner support

For Marks, being a part of the New Orleans Original Daiquiris team was a no brainer. “It’s a simple turnkey concept, easy to learn and the corporate team supports you,” Marks said. “Over the past 35 years, New Orleans Original Daiquiris has generated a lot of customer loyalty.”

That loyalty, grown from the brand’s commitment to good times, all the time, remains an essential part of the identity and appeal of New Orleans Original Daiquiris, said Director of Sales Paul Nugent.

“From the customer standpoint, we are serving our guests tasty, high-quality drinks that are consistent across every one of our locations,” he said. “And on the business side, New Orleans Original Daiquiris is appealing because of the ease of delivering that product to consumers. Our daiquiris require our proprietary mixes that come in one easy-to-make carton, water, and spirits—that’s it.”

Operations model evolution

Marks acknowledged the implementation of a simpler operations model as an essential evolution for New Orleans Original Daiquiris. “Back in the day before the pre-packaged product was developed, I had to cut fruit and blend drinks manually, which was quite time-consuming. Now, all you have to do is add liquor, mix and serve.”

Other advancements the brand has made to benefit franchisees and licensees include the development of a suggested store layout; a complete furniture, fixtures and equipment package; more detailed training program; and specialized inventory, sales and reporting software. According to Marks, these developments have done wonders in refreshing and revitalizing New Orleans Original Daiquiris for a new generation of customers without losing its signature ambiance, making the business opportunity all the more compelling.

“As our customers’ wants and needs change, it’s our job at New Orleans Original Daiquiris to listen and evolve,” Nugent added. “We are constantly looking at all aspects of our operation, from flavors and spirits to technology and marketing, to find opportunities to adapt to better provide for our customers, and as a result, our franchise system as a whole.”