TL;DR
HB Protein Smoothies has signed a multi-unit deal with Jay and Carolina Orosa to expand into British Columbia, Canada, marking the brand's first international market. This deal is the fourth multi-unit deal for HB Protein Smoothies in two months, following deals in Florida and California.
May 11, 2026 — HB Protein Smoothies is going global. After back-to-back multi-unit deals in Florida and a commitment in California, the fast-growing brand is now crossing borders. Jay and Carolina Orosa, a seasoned husband-and-wife franchising team, have signed a multi-unit deal for British Columbia, Canada, bringing HB Protein Smoothies to its first international market and capping a remarkable four-deal multi-unit run within two months.
Jay brings a background in pharmaceutical sales, while Carolina's expertise spans advertising and marketing. Both have always been entrepreneurially driven. Before relocating to Canada, the couple owned successful U.S.-based businesses, including a franchise they operated for over a decade. When it came time to choose their next business venture, they looked at several brands, but HB Protein Smoothies was, in their words, "the first one to get them excited."
“I love the feel of the brand; it’s fun, it’s positive, it’s very community-centered,” said Carolina. “The owner, Daniel, has done a really good job of being a brand ambassador — when you meet him, you see that he lives and breathes positivity, health, and wellness.”
Daniel Boone, co-founder of HB, has said he wants to live to 120 years old, a philosophy that runs through everything from the brand's culture to its products.
“The simplicity of a QSR business that had a great product was the greatest draw for us,” said Jay. “After getting to meet the team in person, that sold us on it.”
For the Orosas, the decision was also personal. “We’ve become focused on healthy choices — eating healthy, living healthy,” said Jay. “We don't just want to live long, but we want to live well.”
The Orosas say their market reflects those same values of well-being.
“We live in Vancouver, and it’s a very wellness-focused city,” said Carolina. The couple noted that the population leans toward outdoor and physical activity — yoga, Pilates, and similar pursuits — making it a natural fit for their target audience and an untapped opportunity for protein smoothies in Canada.“We see ourselves growing the brand in BC, and making it a household name,” Carolina continued. “There’s an opportunity to make this a habit-forming product.”
“Canada is all about the maple leaf,” said Carolina. “This brand can cater to pretty much everyone who’s looking for a treat where maybe protein is not top of their mind, but it’s an added bonus.”
Having lived in the U.S. before relocating to Canada also gave the Orosas a cross-border perspective they say will be an asset, one that shaped their approach to franchising and business ownership, which they plan to carry into launching HB's international footprint.
Looking ahead, Carolina is clear about what she envisions for the brand.
“I don’t want this to become a trendy brand,” said Carolina. “I want this to become a brand that sustains its popularity because it’s become a part of everyone’s routines.”
In this story
This story was originally published in Franchising.com on May 11, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.
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