How to Finance an Acai Express Franchise: Non-SBA Options
By Anthony Cornella
An Acai Express franchise loan has one feature that shapes everything else: the brand does not currently appear on the SBA Franchise Directory, so most buyers should plan on conventional financing rather than an SBA-guaranteed loan. This article explains what that means, what an Acai Express superfood bowl shop costs to open in general terms and how to put together a request lenders will take seriously.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Acai Express; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures in the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary, and every loan is subject to review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice. Review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant before you commit.
Acai Express Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: fast-casual superfood bowls built on organic açaí, with pitaya and oatmeal bowls, smoothies, juices, lemonades and toast.
- Origin: the brand began as a surf-side food truck in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has since expanded to franchised shops on the U.S. mainland.
- Fees and investment: we could not verify the initial fee, royalty, marketing fee or Item 7 range from the franchisor’s own materials; rely on the current FDD.
- Owner requirements: net worth and liquidity minimums were not available for verification.
- SBA Franchise Directory: not listed, so conventional loans are the primary route for most buyers.
What Is Acai Express?
Acai Express is a Puerto Rico-born superfood bowl brand that describes itself as a lifestyle brand as much as a restaurant. It started as a single food truck near the beach in San Juan, grew into a chain of shops on the island and then began franchising on the U.S. mainland, with franchised locations in states such as Florida, New Jersey, Colorado and Texas.
The menu is built around açaí bowls topped with fruit, granola and nut butters, along with pitaya and oatmeal bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, lemonades and toast. The brand emphasizes organic açaí, a beach-inspired atmosphere and quick service.
How lenders view the concept. Lenders like the small footprint, limited menu and lean staffing of a bowl shop. They also know the category is competitive and seasonal in many markets. Because the brand is not on the SBA directory, lenders will underwrite an Acai Express franchise loan on conventional terms, which usually means closer attention to the borrower’s own capital, credit and experience.
Acai Express Franchise Costs
We could not verify fees or an investment range from franchisor-published sources, so treat the FDD as your source for every figure and back it up with local quotes.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 of the FDD states the fee and its timing. It is usually paid at signing, before financing closes.
Space and build-out. Most shops occupy small inline or end-cap retail spaces near beaches, gyms, campuses or busy shopping centers. Build-out typically covers plumbing, electrical service for freezers and blenders, counters and service line, seating and the brand’s décor package. A former café or smoothie shop can reduce costs if the layout works.
Equipment and smallwares. Freezers, high-speed blenders, refrigerated topping stations, a juicer, a toaster for toast items, display coolers and the point-of-sale system.
Opening inventory and working capital. Frozen açaí and pitaya, fruit, granola, cups and packaging, plus pre-opening wages, training travel, grand opening marketing, insurance and the reserves listed as additional funds in Item 7.
Total investment. Item 7 gives a low-to-high total. When you read it, make sure your budget includes:
- Initial franchise fee
- Security deposit and pre-opening rent
- Design, permits and construction
- Freezers, blenders and refrigeration
- Signage, furniture and décor
- Point-of-sale and online ordering technology
- Opening food and packaging inventory
- Training and related travel
- Grand opening advertising
- Insurance, licenses and professional fees
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 lists the royalty, marketing or brand fund contribution and other fees such as technology, renewal and transfer fees. Check the FDD for any required purchases from approved suppliers, which affect food cost.
The lender’s view. A conventional lender will project your sales, subtract cost of goods, labor, rent and every franchise fee, and test whether the remaining cash flow comfortably covers the loan payment. Because conventional loans often have shorter repayment terms than SBA loans, monthly payments can be higher, so this test matters even more.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
We could not verify the franchisor’s net worth, liquidity or experience minimums. Ask for them in writing early, along with whether the brand expects an owner-operator and what training it provides.
The approval process. Expect an application, FDD review, calls with existing franchisees, a discovery meeting and franchisor approval. Talk with a financing specialist while you are in this process so you know how much you can borrow before you sign.
Ways to Own an Acai Express
A new location. Most opportunities are new shops in markets where the brand is expanding. Lenders underwrite them on projections, the lease, the build-out budget and the borrower’s strength. Learn more about restaurant start-up financing.
Buying an existing shop. An existing franchised location gives a lender real sales history to work from, which can be especially valuable without an SBA guarantee. The franchisor must approve the transfer. See our guide to buying a franchise resale.
Multiple locations. Owners who want a cluster of shops may be offered multi-unit rights. Lenders generally want the first shop open and performing before financing the next.
Financing Options for an Acai Express Franchise
Conventional term loans. For most buyers, a conventional business loan is the main tool. It can finance build-out, equipment and opening costs, secured by business assets and typically a personal guarantee. Expect lenders to look for a meaningful cash contribution and solid credit.
SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA 7(a) program is widely used for franchises, but only for brands on the SBA Franchise Directory. Unless Acai Express is added, it is generally not available for this brand; see the SBA section below.
Equipment financing. Freezers, blenders, juicers and refrigeration can be financed separately, often with the equipment itself as collateral. That can reduce the size of the main term loan. Explore restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Many bowl shops are busiest in warm months. A line of credit can bridge slower seasons and cover inventory and payroll during the ramp-up. See franchise working capital financing.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing shop, a seller may carry part of the price. Any seller note must be acceptable to the senior lender and is typically subordinate to it.
Owner-occupied real estate. Buying a building for a single bowl shop is rare. If you do, a conventional real estate loan would generally be separate from the business loan.
SBA Loans for Acai Express Franchisees
SBA lenders generally require a franchise brand to appear on the SBA Franchise Directory before they can make an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. The directory is the SBA’s list of brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for eligibility.
Acai Express is not on the SBA Franchise Directory. In plain terms, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are generally not available for an Acai Express franchise as things stand. That is not a judgment about the brand; it simply means the franchisor has not completed the directory process or is not currently listed. Directory status can change, so ask the franchisor whether it plans to apply and confirm the current status with your lender when you are ready to borrow.
What to do instead. Plan on conventional financing, equipment financing and your own capital. If the brand is added to the directory later, SBA financing could become an option, and the SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
How Lenders Evaluate an Acai Express Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Conventional lenders tend to look closely at credit, tax returns and personal financial statements, and require personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Without an SBA guarantee, expect a larger cash contribution and stronger reserves after opening.
Industry and management experience. Food service, café or retail management experience helps offset the risk of a newer mainland brand.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect your market’s seasonality, daily transactions, average ticket, delivery and catering sales, food costs for frozen fruit and every fee in Item 6, with a realistic ramp-up. Our article on how lenders use the FDD explains which disclosures support those assumptions.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the fees, investment estimate, territory, term, renewal and transfer terms and the franchisor’s financial statements.
Site and lease. The lease should run at least as long as the loan, and the location should have visibility, parking and steady foot traffic.
For resales, historical financials. Lenders compare the shop’s profit and loss statements and sales reports with tax returns.
Build-Out and Equipment Considerations
Because the main loan is conventional, keeping the build-out efficient matters. A second-generation space that already has plumbing and electrical service can reduce costs; our article on financing a restaurant build-out compares the options. On the equipment side, freezer capacity, blender count and refrigerated topping stations drive both cost and speed of service. Ask the franchisor which items are required, which suppliers are approved and whether any equipment can be leased.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Some owners grow by opening several shops in one metro area. Before signing a development schedule, make sure the openings align with what you can finance, since each Acai Express franchise loan for a new shop will be judged on combined cash flow and your capital at the time. Our page on multi-unit franchise financing covers how lenders approach growing groups.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner near a beach market. A buyer with retail management experience opens a shop near a busy beach. A conventional term loan covers the build-out, equipment financing covers freezers and blenders, and the owner’s cash covers the franchise fee and reserves.
Family partners opening together. Three family members pool savings to open a shop in a growing suburb. The lender reviews each partner’s credit and requires guarantees from all three.
An existing owner buying a resale. A restaurant owner buys an established Acai Express from its original franchisee. The lender relies on the shop’s actual sales history, and the seller carries a small subordinate note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming an SBA loan is available for a brand not on the SBA Franchise Directory
- Underestimating the cash contribution a conventional lender will expect
- Projecting peak-season sales year-round
- Leaving too little working capital for the ramp-up
- Signing a lease before your lender and the franchisor review it
- Ignoring rising açaí and fruit costs
Read more in common restaurant loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your Acai Express Franchise
Step 1: Get the current FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7 and 19 first, then the full document with a franchise attorney.
Step 2: Confirm SBA directory status. Ask the franchisor and your lender whether the brand is listed or plans to be.
Step 3: Build your budget. Start with Item 7 and add local construction and equipment quotes.
Step 4: Talk with a financing specialist. Learn how much a conventional lender will lend and what equity you will need. Our conventional loan calculator provides estimates for planning only.
Step 5: Secure your site. Get franchisor approval and have your lender review the lease.
Step 6: Apply and close. Submit your financial documents, business plan, franchise documents, lease and quotes, then coordinate funding with construction.
Acai Express Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does an Acai Express franchise cost?
Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimated initial investment. We could not verify a range from franchisor materials, so request the latest FDD.
What is the Acai Express franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is disclosed in Item 5 of the FDD.
What royalty does Acai Express charge?
The royalty, marketing contribution and other ongoing fees are listed in Item 6.
Can I get an SBA loan for an Acai Express?
Not generally at this time. Acai Express is not listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, and SBA lenders generally require a listing. Confirm current status with your lender.
What financing works without SBA eligibility?
Conventional term loans, equipment financing, working capital lines and, on resales, seller financing.
How much cash will I need?
The franchisor sets its own minimums, which we could not verify. Conventional lenders typically expect a meaningful cash contribution plus reserves.
Can I finance the equipment separately?
Yes. Freezers, blenders and refrigeration can often be financed with equipment loans or leases.
Can I buy an existing Acai Express?
If one is for sale and the franchisor approves the transfer, yes. A resale’s sales history can make conventional financing easier.
Can a first-time owner get an Acai Express franchise loan?
Yes, with franchisor approval and solid credit, liquidity and management experience.
Does Acai Express offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD discloses any financing the franchisor provides.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD states the term, renewal and transfer terms. Lenders compare the remaining term with the loan’s repayment period.
Final Thoughts
Acai Express brings a Puerto Rico-born superfood bowl concept to mainland markets, but without an SBA directory listing, buyers should plan around conventional financing, equipment financing and their own capital. A tight build-out budget, realistic seasonal projections and early conversations with a financing specialist go a long way.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
