Robeks Experiences Strong Q3 and Continues to Gain Momentum with Upcoming Tampa Opening

Los Angeles-based fresh juice, smoothie and bowl franchise Robeks was founded in 1996 with the idea of providing loyal fans with easy and nutritious meal alternatives, all with incredible taste. The brand uses a proprietary line of enrichments to deliver the right nutrients to help customers boost their metabolism and overall wellness. Robeks began to offer franchises in 2001 and has since grown to over 85 locations across the United States and Guam and have cornered a portion of the bowl, fresh juice and smoothie franchise market.

More recently, the brand has experienced success and an increase in YOY sales thanks to its established model and strong franchise system which has allowed it to continue to grow during an otherwise unstable period in the restaurant industry. In addition to husband-and-wife duo Josephine and Gary Schaaf’s upcoming Tampa opening, the franchise recently opened up locations in Palmdale, California and Wadsworth, Ohio and has another three locations scheduled to open before the end of the year. In addition , the brand’s strong pipeline has set its growth in motion for 2021 with several openings slated for the year.

The Schaafs, who work in commercial real estate and the military relocation industry, decided to explore franchising opportunities to secure a future for their 24-year-old son Brian in the midst of the COVID-19 job climate. The Schaaf family — Josephine, Gary and their son Brian — will be opening a Robeks located in one of the fastest growing areas of Tampa, Channelside at East Kennedy Blvd and 12th in October.

“Our son Brian, who will be managing our new Robeks location, graduated from University of South Florida with a business degree,” said Josephine. “While in college and for some time after, Brian managed one of the biggest salons in Jacksonville.”. Upon his move back to Tampa he worked at a Starbucks and then in a consultant position with Tesla, and now he is going to help us run Robeks.”

Josephine and Gary had been looking into franchising for a while after a friend recommended going that route when starting a business. “We started looking around for franchise opportunities when Brain moved back home because we wanted something for him to take on,” Gary said. “When he moved into his new apartment, we noticed an empty space in the building right below him and started brainstorming what franchise concept to put in there.”

The Schaafs have deep roots in Tampa and they noted that the area would be perfect for Robeks. “Everybody in Tampa is crazy about their health — they are dedicated to going to the gym and eating right,” said Josephine. “Still, when we were looking at businesses around the area, there weren’t many great tasting healthy food options such as Robeks.”

The Schaaf family discovered Robeks on a trip to Miami and fell in love with the brand. After doing more research, they were impressed by Robeks’ fresh product offering and proven business model.

”When we were visiting Miami last year, we had Robeks for the first time and were blown away,” said Josephine. “We ended up having it twice that trip, something we usually never do. There’s nothing like it. We also go to Hawaii every year, so tropical fruits stand out to us — something that the Robeks menu is centered around.”

Now, with Brian set to run most of the operations, Josephine and Gary are ready to open their Robeks location in October.

The Schaafs are looking forward to serving their Tampa community, which they are very active in. Josephine is the founder and director of Bacchus For Charity, a foundation designed to support children and children's charities that are involved in sports and education through events, volunteerism and community celebrations.

Looking ahead, the Schaafs’ goal is to open three more Robeks locations in the Tampa Bay area, and an additional location in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“With the help of qualified franchise partners like the Schaafs, the company is projected to reach 100 locations by 2021,” said President and Chief Financial Officer David Rawnsley. “Robeks offers entrepreneurs a proven business model, exceptional support infrastructure and an opportunity to become an important asset to their communities, by delivering on our brand mission, making delicious food that makes people happy”.

The total estimated cost to open a Robeks franchise ranges from $243,450 to $340,000. The brand offers discounts for veterans and multi-unit owners. For more information, visit *