Jamba Juice CEO unveils next phase of turnaround

Growth on all fronts

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Self-service JambaGO outlets are also growing. The company has been placing them in K-12 schools and other nontraditional sites over the past two years. More than 400 JambaGO sites are open, and the company plans to add up to 1,000 this year.

White said the company’s diverse format options and “better-for-you solutions” are advantages that will make the Jamba Juice brand even more attractive to foodservice contractors in a variety of settings. In addition, the chain plans to add 60 to 80 traditional stores, both domestically and internationally, White said, including some with drive-thru locations where possible.

Meanwhile, the chain also plans to invest in refreshing 75 to 100 corporate locations that will be fitted with expanded offerings of freshly squeezed juices and handcrafted blends that feature superfood ingredients like kale, ginger, beets, carrots and apples.

The company has tested the expanded juice bar format in two locations, one in the chain’s hometown of Emeryville, Calif., and the other in Santa Monica, Calif. White said early results have been “incredible,” in some cases doubling sales with no marketing at all.

In addition to the units scheduled for the refresh, the juice bars will be added to new units as supply becomes available. “If we like what we see, we could accelerate that,” White said.

Meanwhile, the company plans to amp up its consumer packaged goods, or CPG, lineup with the goal of reaching $4 million to $5 million in revenues in fiscal 2013. White said the company reached its 2012 goal of $3 million in CPG sales, including items like an at-home smoothie kits, energy drinks and frozen novelties.

White is expected to outline the Blend 3.0 plan at the ICR Xchange investor conference in Miami on Thursday.

Contact Lisa Jennings at lisa.jennings@penton.com.
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout