---
title: "Columbus Business Journal: Smoothie King Eyeing Columbus, Ohio Market"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/6636bc24-d058-468a-918f-f2d5aa8b8d65
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/columbus-business-journal-smoothie-king-eyeing-columbus-ohio-market-3586
category: "Beverage & juice"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Beverage & juice"
published: 2016-02-11T22:17:15.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T13:05:15.724Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/34789348512a1a30e57b80043cb6690f8062160211171015.jpeg
---

# Columbus Business Journal: Smoothie King Eyeing Columbus, Ohio Market

**TL;DR:** Smoothie King is expanding its presence in Ohio, with plans to open multiple locations in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The company already has six locations in the Columbus market and is looking to grow its footprint in the state.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2016-02-11. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/columbus-business-journal-smoothie-king-eyeing-columbus-ohio-market-3586).*

## Story

Smoothie King is eyeing the Ohio market. With 750 stores nationwide, the company is looking to expand their footprint in Ohio.

"It's like we have (Ohio) surrounded," said Franchise Development Manager, Steve Shields.

There are already six Smoothie Kings divided between four franchisees in the Columbus market, and one of the franchisees has already signed on for five more units.

There is also a plan for growth in Cincinnati and Cleveland.

Their current footprint is around Interstate 270. They are open to traditional strip mall sites and drive-throughs. Investments can range from $160,000 to $325,000 depending on the real estate.

"You need a refrigerator and some blenders," Shields said. "No $50,000 oven. No grease. Max employees is four."

Smoothie King is a functional restaurant that has options for everyone and their different wellness plans.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- franchise development (topic)
- market growth (topic)
- ohio (location)
- Smoothie King (company)
- cincinnati (location)
- Columbus (location)
- Cleveland (location)

---
Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/columbus-business-journal-smoothie-king-eyeing-columbus-ohio-market-3586). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/6636bc24-d058-468a-918f-f2d5aa8b8d65).