How to Finance a Juice It Up! Franchise: Smoothie Bar Costs
By Chris Cornella
A Juice It Up! franchise loan usually pays for a compact smoothie, juice and bowl bar: a leased storefront, a tenant build-out, blending and refrigeration equipment, signage and enough cash to carry the store through its first months. Because some locations add a drive-thru lane, the same brand can carry two very different budgets, and lenders size the loan around which version you are building.
Below, we cover the franchisor’s published costs and requirements, the drive-thru option, the brand’s SBA Franchise Directory notes and how buyers structure a Juice It Up! franchise loan for a new store or a resale.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Juice It Up!; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender 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.
Juice It Up! Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000 for a single unit, as reported in the brand’s 2025 FDD, paid in a single payment when the franchise agreement is signed.
- Royalty: 6% of net sales, paid weekly, according to the franchisor’s FAQ.
- Marketing fund: 3% of net sales.
- Estimated initial investment: $267,800 to $628,000 for a single store without a drive-thru, and $302,800 to $746,000 with a drive-thru.
- Financial requirements: at least $150,000 in liquid capital and a $350,000 net worth for a single unit.
- Store size: typically 900 to 1,200 square feet, with no hood, grill or fryer required.
- System size: the franchisor’s 2025 franchise report cites 130+ locations open and in development.
- Incentives: a 60% franchise fee discount for qualified U.S. veterans and discounts for area developers opening three or more units.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Juice It Up (code S8890), with notes covering lease documents, purchase options and lien position.
What Is Juice It Up!?
Juice It Up! opened its first location in Brea, California, in 1995, and the franchisor operates from a support center in Irvine, California. The concept centers on three product categories: blended smoothies, fresh juices and bowls, with a wellness-oriented menu aimed at everyday, repeat customers.
The franchisor’s 2025 franchise report describes a small-footprint store that runs on 10 to 15 part-time, entry-level team members plus a designated manager, and it points out that the kitchen needs no hood, grill or fryer. Formats include traditional storefronts, drive-thru locations, college campuses and travel centers, in markets ranging from large cities to small towns.
Why lenders view it the way they do. A juice and smoothie bar has a relatively modest equipment package and no cooking line, which keeps the investment well below that of a full-service or drive-thru burger restaurant. On the other hand, the business is a high-transaction, lower-ticket model, so lenders focus on lease cost, labor scheduling and the ramp-up period rather than on hard collateral. A Juice It Up! franchise loan is therefore largely a cash flow loan secured by business assets and personal guarantees.
Juice It Up! Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The franchisor reports a $30,000 initial franchise fee for a single unit in its 2025 FDD. Its investment summary shows a range of $20,000 to $30,000 under an incentive program, paid in a single payment upon signing the franchise agreement. Veterans and multi-unit developers may qualify for reduced fees, so confirm the exact amount in your own agreement.
Real estate and build-out. Stores are generally leased. The real estate line covers a deposit plus 3 months of rent at lease signing, and tenant improvements are the largest single cost. Architect fees of $11,000 to $15,000 and building permits of $5,500 to $20,000 sit on top. The franchisor provides a store concept plan, floor plan, construction management and build-out support.
Equipment and fixtures. Furniture, fixtures and equipment can be paid in a single payment or through lease installments, and a POS system and office equipment add $2,500 to $4,500.
Opening costs and working capital. Beyond opening inventory, the budget includes a $6,500 trade area activation plan for local marketing in the weeks after opening, plus additional funds for the first 3 months.
Total investment. The franchisor’s FAQ, citing Item 7 of the FDD, puts single-unit development at $267,800 to $628,000. Selected line items from the franchisor’s investment summary include:
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000 to $30,000
- Real estate deposit and rent: $15,000 to $25,000
- Tenant improvements: $80,000 to $270,000
- Furniture, fixtures and other equipment: $70,000 to $140,000
- Signs and menu boards: $4,200 to $14,000
- Opening inventory: $5,000 to $9,000
- Additional funds for 3 months: $20,000 to $40,000
- Drive-thru location costs, where applicable: $35,000 to $118,000
The investment summary also lists permits, design fees, utility deposits, smallwares, training expenses and opening kits. Read the full Item 7 table in the current FDD, because it is the version a lender will rely on, and costs vary with store size, real estate rates and location.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty. Juice It Up! charges a royalty of 6% of net sales, paid weekly. A weekly draw means cash leaves the account more often than in systems that collect monthly, which matters when you plan operating cash.
Marketing fund. Franchisees contribute 3% of net sales to the marketing or advertising fund.
Other fees. Review Item 6 of the current FDD for technology, transfer, renewal and remodel-related fees and add them to your projections.
How lenders factor these costs in. With royalty and marketing contributions both tied to net sales, plus rent, labor and product costs, a lender will build projections that subtract every franchise fee before calculating whether the store can cover its loan payment. In a lower-ticket business, small changes in average ticket or labor hours have an outsized effect on that debt service coverage, so conservative sales assumptions help a request.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
- Liquid capital: at least $150,000 in liquid assets for a single unit.
- Net worth: at least $350,000.
- Experience: management, food service or business ownership experience is ideal but not required; the franchisor emphasizes leadership, communication skills and an interest in wellness.
- Training: franchisees complete the franchisor’s training program before opening, with travel and living costs budgeted in the initial investment.
The approval process. Candidates submit an inquiry, review the FDD, complete discovery and sign a franchise agreement before site selection and build-out. Lenders want the agreement, lease or letter of intent and a construction budget before finalizing a new-store loan.
Ways to Own a Juice It Up!
Open a new store. Most new owners build a traditional or drive-thru location. Financing covers the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and opening working capital, and lenders underwrite the store on projections, the site and the borrower’s strength. Our franchise start-up financing page explains how we approach new-unit loans.
Buy an existing store. A resale gives a lender actual sales history to underwrite, subject to the franchisor’s transfer approval. Our article on buying a franchise resale covers transfer approval, inspections and timing.
Develop multiple units. The franchisor offers discounts to area developers who commit to three or more units under an area development agreement. Financing usually happens one store at a time against a development schedule.
Financing Options for a Juice It Up! Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because the brand appears on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan is often the main option for a new store or a resale. A single 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment and working capital.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived fixed assets. Most stores are leased, so 504 financing fits only when an owner buys a building or a pad site for a drive-thru location.
Conventional term loans. Buyers with strong liquidity or multi-unit operators may prefer a conventional business loan.
Equipment financing. Blenders, juicers, reach-in and walk-in refrigeration, freezers, ice machines, display cases, menu boards and POS hardware can be financed or leased separately. The investment summary itself notes that equipment may be paid through lease installments. See our restaurant equipment financing and leasing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Smoothie and juice sales often follow the weather and the school calendar, so a line of credit can help cover payroll and produce purchases in slower months and during the ramp-up after opening. Learn more about restaurant working capital.
Seller financing on resales. In some resales, part of the price may be carried by the seller. Any seller note would need to be acceptable to the senior lender, is typically subordinate to it and may be limited by SBA program rules.
SBA Loans for Juice It Up! Franchisees
SBA lenders rely on the SBA Franchise Directory to confirm that a franchise brand’s agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. A listing does not approve any borrower; it clears the franchise relationship so a lender can focus on the buyer, the site and the projections. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
The directory listing. Juice It Up appears on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8890. The listing carries three notes, which in plain English mean:
- Lease documents: when the real estate where the store operates will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the franchisor’s Collateral Assignment of Lease and Landlord Approval may not be executed. This matters mainly for an owner who buys the property.
- Purchase options: the franchisor may not enforce a purchase option on real estate owned by the franchisee or an affiliate and taken as collateral for the SBA loan.
- Lien position: the lender or CDC must obtain the correct lien position on all collateral as required by SBA rules.
SBA application tips. Give the lender the FDD, the franchise agreement, the lease or letter of intent, a contractor’s bid and an equipment quote, plus a budget tied to the Item 7 table and a clear source for your equity. Our article on writing a franchise business plan for an SBA loan explains what lenders expect.
How Lenders Evaluate a Juice It Up! Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, plus a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. The franchisor’s $150,000 liquid capital and $350,000 net worth minimums are a starting point. Lenders also look at what you will have left after the equity injection to absorb construction overruns or a slow first season.
Industry and management experience. Experience is not required by the franchisor, but lenders give weight to food service, retail or multi-employee management experience, especially for an owner who will schedule a large part-time crew.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect the 6% royalty and 3% marketing contribution, the actual lease terms, a realistic labor model for 10 to 15 part-time employees and seasonal swings. Drive-thru and campus sites should be modeled separately because their traffic patterns differ.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal and transfer provisions in Item 17, the fee tables in Items 5 to 7 and any franchisor financing in Item 10. Our article on how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document walks through the items that matter most.
Site and lease. Rent is usually the largest fixed cost in a small store, so lenders want a lease term that runs at least as long as the loan.
Historical financials for resales. When buying an existing store, expect to provide the seller’s profit and loss statements, sales reports and tax returns, which the lender will reconcile before setting the loan amount.
Build-Out, Equipment and the Drive-Thru Decision
The build-out is where a Juice It Up! budget is won or lost. Tenant improvements alone span $80,000 to $270,000, depending on the condition of the space, and negotiating landlord allowances or free rent can reduce what you borrow. Our article on restaurant build-out financing covers how lenders fund construction draws.
A drive-thru lane adds $35,000 to $118,000 and changes the site profile. Lenders will review traffic counts, stacking space and any added rent, and expect projections that justify the higher investment.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Area development agreements for three or more units come with a franchise fee discount, but they also come with a development schedule. Before signing, map out how each store will be financed and when, because a missed opening deadline can put development rights at risk.
Financing a second or third store. Once your first store has a year or more of results, lenders can underwrite the existing store’s cash flow alongside projections for the next one. Our article on financing an area development agreement explains how lenders view these commitments.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner opening an inline store. A former retail manager meets the liquidity and net worth requirements, signs a franchise agreement and leases an inline space within the brand’s typical size range. An SBA 7(a) loan covers the build-out, equipment and opening working capital, and the borrower’s own cash covers the equity injection.
A veteran using the fee discount. A veteran qualifies for the fee discount and puts the savings into working capital, giving the lender a lower project cost and a stronger cushion.
A drive-thru on a pad site. An experienced operator builds a drive-thru store. The lender asks for traffic data and stronger projections, and part of the equipment is financed separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budgeting from the low end of the tenant improvement range before getting a contractor bid
- Choosing a drive-thru site without projections that support the extra investment
- Ignoring the weekly royalty draw when planning operating cash
- Underestimating labor costs for a large part-time crew
- Signing a lease that is shorter than the loan term
- Committing to a multi-unit schedule without a financing plan for each store
- Leaving too little working capital for seasonal slow periods
For more pitfalls that apply across the industry, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Juice It Up! Franchise
Step 1: Confirm the financial requirements. Make sure you can show at least $150,000 in liquid assets and a $350,000 net worth, plus reserves beyond the equity you will inject.
Step 2: Review the FDD with advisors. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Estimate your payment early. Our SBA loan calculator can give you a planning estimate; it is not an offer or approval.
Step 4: Choose a format and site. Decide between an inline store, a drive-thru or a non-traditional site, and get a lease proposal and contractor bid.
Step 5: Build your projections. Use the actual lease terms, royalty and marketing fees, labor plan and seasonality.
Step 6: Apply for your Juice It Up! franchise loan. Submit your personal financial statement, tax returns, resume, business plan, franchise documents and build-out budget.
Step 7: Close and open. Coordinate construction draws, equipment delivery and training so the store opens on schedule with working capital in place.
Juice It Up! Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Juice It Up! franchise cost?
The franchisor’s FAQ, citing Item 7 of its FDD, puts single-unit development at $267,800 to $628,000. A store with a drive-thru is estimated at $302,800 to $746,000.
What is the Juice It Up! franchise fee?
The franchisor reports a $30,000 initial franchise fee for a single unit in its 2025 FDD. Qualified U.S. veterans can receive a 60% discount, and area developers opening three or more units may qualify for a reduced fee.
What royalty does Juice It Up! charge?
The royalty is 6% of net sales, paid weekly, and franchisees contribute 3% of net sales to the marketing fund.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor asks single-unit candidates for at least $150,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of at least $350,000.
Can I get an SBA-backed Juice It Up! franchise loan?
Yes, the brand is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8890, so it is eligible for SBA review. Each borrower still must qualify, and the directory notes on lease documents, purchase options and lien position apply.
Can I finance the equipment separately?
Yes. Blenders, refrigeration, ice machines and POS hardware can be financed or leased apart from the main loan.
Can I buy an existing Juice It Up! store?
Yes, with the franchisor’s approval of the transfer. A resale lets a lender underwrite actual sales history, and SBA or conventional financing can cover the purchase price and working capital.
How long is the franchise term?
The franchisor’s public materials do not state the term, so check Item 17 of the current FDD. Lenders compare the remaining term with the loan’s maturity.
Does Juice It Up! offer financing?
The franchisor’s materials describe fee incentives for veterans and multi-unit developers but do not describe a franchisor loan program. Check Item 10 of the current FDD for any financing disclosures.
Does the FDD include financial performance information?
The franchisor invites prospects to request average unit volume and financial details through its inquiry process. Review Item 19 of the current FDD to see what financial performance representations it includes.
Final Thoughts
A Juice It Up! franchise loan is built around a small store with a big variable: the build-out. Owners who lock down a realistic construction bid, choose the right format for their market and carry enough working capital for seasonal swings put themselves in the strongest position with lenders, whether they are opening a first store or adding a third.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance new units, acquisitions, equipment, working capital and refinancing. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
