How to Finance a Robeks Franchise: Small Stores, Tiered Royalty
By Anthony Cornella
A Robeks franchise loan typically pays for the build-out, blending equipment, opening inventory and early operating cash of a compact juice and smoothie store. Because Robeks stores are small, cook-free and built around fresh produce, the financing looks different from a full-kitchen restaurant: less money goes into heavy equipment and more of the risk sits in the lease, the build-out and the first months of sales.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Robeks; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and franchise 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 before you sign or borrow.
Robeks Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Total initial investment: $299,050 to $538,500, as the franchisor’s website reports from its 2026 FDD.
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000 for a single store; $20,000 for qualifying veterans; $60,000 combined for a three-store commitment.
- Royalty: 7% of net sales for the first location, 6.5% for a second and 6% for three or more, according to the franchise site.
- Liquidity and net worth: at least $149,000 of liquid capital and $375,000 of net worth for one store; $375,000 liquid and $875,000 net worth for three stores.
- Store size: typically 800 to 1,200 square feet, with no fryers or grills.
- System size: the company reports 140 locations open or in development.
- Franchisor financing: Robeks says it does not offer direct financing but connects franchisees with lenders.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Robeks (identifier S1438), with no additional directory note.
What Is Robeks?
Robeks was founded in Los Angeles in 1996 by David Robertson, who remains chairman of the board. The company operated its own stores for five years before it began franchising in 2001, and its franchise support center is still in Los Angeles, California. The brand serves made-to-order smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices and related items, and markets itself around fresh ingredients and nutrition.
Store format. A typical Robeks store runs 800 to 1,200 square feet. The franchisor describes a single-kitchen operation without commercial deep fryers, large ovens or other complex restaurant equipment, and it promotes six revenue streams from one counter. Traditional stores generally sit in retail strip centers near daily-needs anchors such as grocery stores, and the company also points to non-traditional venues such as airports and college campuses.
Why lenders view Robeks the way they do. Lenders generally see an established system with a long operating history, a small footprint and modest equipment needs. The trade-offs they focus on are the leasehold improvements that make up much of the cost, the perishable inventory, sales that can swing with weather and seasons, and the fact that a smoothie store’s collateral is mostly build-out that stays with the landlord.
Robeks Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The franchise site lists a $30,000 fee for a single store. Qualifying veterans pay a reduced $20,000 fee, and owners who commit to three stores pay $60,000 combined. Confirm timing, refund rules and any current promotions in Item 5 of the FDD you receive.
Real estate and build-out. Robeks stores are leased retail spaces, so the franchisee pays for leasehold improvements rather than a building. Build-out is usually the largest single line in the budget and it varies with the condition of the space, local construction costs and how much the landlord contributes. Rent, security deposits and real estate costs are part of the estimate.
Equipment, fixtures and technology. Blenders, juicers, refrigeration and freezers, prep tables, store fixtures, signs and computer systems make up the equipment package. Because there is no hood-and-fryer line, equipment is a smaller share of cost than at a full-kitchen restaurant.
Opening costs and working capital. The franchisor’s cost summary lists training and travel, professional fees, licenses and insurance, opening inventory, grand opening advertising and additional funds for the first three months.
Total investment. The franchisor’s website reports a total initial investment of $299,050 to $538,500 from its 2026 FDD. The company says this estimate covers:
- The initial franchise fee
- Real estate and leasehold improvements
- Equipment, store fixtures, signs and computer systems
- Training and travel
- Licensing, deposits and insurance
- Opening inventory and grand opening advertising
- Additional funds for the first three months of operations
Build your budget from the Item 7 table in the FDD you actually receive, plus a site-specific build-out bid. A Robeks franchise loan should be sized to that bid, not to the midpoint of a range.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Tiered royalty. Robeks’ franchise site lists a royalty of 7% of net sales for an owner’s first location, 6.5% for a second and 6% for three or more. For a lender, that means the fee burden on each store depends on how many stores the borrower owns, so projections should apply the rate that will actually be charged.
Marketing fund. The franchisor describes a national marketing fund that supports the brand. Confirm the contribution rate and any local marketing requirement in Item 6 of the current FDD.
Technology and other fees. Ordering, kiosk and rewards platforms can carry recurring charges, and transfer and renewal fees apply at specific events. Item 6 lists each one.
How lenders factor these costs in. Royalty and marketing contributions come off the top line before rent, labor and fruit costs. Lenders typically build a monthly cash flow that deducts these fees, rent and payroll before testing whether the store can cover debt service with a cushion.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Robeks publishes its financial thresholds on its franchise website:
- One store: at least $149,000 of liquid capital and $375,000 of net worth.
- Three stores: at least $375,000 of liquid capital and $875,000 of net worth.
- Training: 140 hours in total, according to the company’s description of its 2026 FDD: 80 hours of in-store training over 10 days at a certified training center or the Los Angeles support center, 40 hours of opening support at your store and 20 hours of additional training in marketing, financial management and advanced operations.
- Support: the franchisor provides site selection criteria, prototype floor plans and approved suppliers.
The approval process. Candidates submit an inquiry, take an introductory call, complete an application with financial qualifications and then receive the FDD. A Discovery Day at the Los Angeles office follows before an agreement is signed.
Ways to Own a Robeks
A new store. Most owners build a new store in a leased retail space. Financing covers the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, opening inventory and working capital, and lenders underwrite it on projections, the lease and the owner’s strength. Our franchise start-up financing page explains how we approach new units.
Buying an existing store. A resale lets a buyer step into a store with sales history, trained staff and a lease in place. The franchisor must approve the buyer, and transfer conditions in the franchise agreement apply. Read our article on buying a franchise resale for the steps.
Multi-unit commitments. The company’s Legacy Agreement, a 30th anniversary offer, lets owners commit to three stores under a discounted fee structure. A three-store commitment changes both the fee and the franchisor’s financial requirements, and financing is usually arranged store by store as each one opens.
Financing Options for a Robeks Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because Robeks is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan is often the first option buyers explore. A single 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory and working capital, and longer repayment terms can help the store’s monthly cash flow while it ramps up.
SBA 504 loans. The SBA 504 program is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived fixed assets. Most Robeks stores are leased, so 504 financing fits only the less usual case where an owner buys the building or a multi-tenant property and occupies the required share of it.
Conventional term loans. Owners with strong credit and liquidity, or multi-unit operators with history, may use a conventional business loan for a new store or an acquisition. Structures vary by lender, and every request is subject to underwriting.
Equipment financing. Commercial blenders, juicers, reach-in and walk-in refrigeration, freezers, kiosks and point-of-sale hardware can be financed or leased separately, which can preserve cash for the build-out. See our restaurant equipment financing and leasing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Smoothie and juice sales can move with weather and seasons, and produce must be bought fresh. A working capital loan or line of credit can cover the opening ramp, slower months and remodel periods. Learn more about restaurant working capital.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing store, a seller may agree to carry part of the price. A seller note must be acceptable to the senior lender, is typically subordinate to it and may be restricted by the loan program.
SBA Loans for Robeks Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. SBA lenders generally require a brand to appear on the directory before they make an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing does not approve any borrower; it clears the franchise relationship so the loan can be underwritten on its own merits.
Robeks’ listing. Robeks appears on the SBA Franchise Directory under identifier S1438 with no additional note. In plain terms, the franchise documents have been reviewed and no extra addendum or special condition is flagged in the directory.
Loan size. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. A single Robeks store sits well inside that limit.
Application tips.
- Have your FDD, franchise agreement, franchisor approval and lease or letter of intent ready.
- Document the source of your equity injection.
- Use our SBA loan calculator for early payment estimates, which are for planning only and are not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate a Robeks Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of personal credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, and plan on providing a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Robeks’ $149,000 liquidity and $375,000 net worth thresholds set a floor. Lenders look at what remains after the equity injection, because a reserve helps a new store get through slower months.
Industry and management experience. Food service, retail or multi-location management experience helps. Robeks’ 140-hour training program adds operating knowledge, but lenders will still weigh the owner’s background and the general manager plan.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect the store’s trade area, the anchor tenants nearby, hours, staffing, fruit and produce costs, the royalty tier and seasonality. The FDD’s Item 19 is the place to review the franchisor’s financial performance representations; lenders will expect the plan to use reasonable, documented assumptions rather than system highs.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal and transfer provisions, territory rights and fees. Our guide to how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document covers which items matter most.
Site and lease. The lease should run at least as long as the loan or include renewal options, and lenders look closely at rent, tenant improvement allowances and co-tenancy.
Historical financials for resales. Buyers of existing stores should provide several years of profit and loss statements, sales reports and tax returns for the store.
Equipment and Build-Out: Where the Money Goes
A Robeks store is a counter-service operation built around blending stations, juicing equipment, refrigerated and frozen storage, a service counter, menu boards and digital ordering hardware. Without a full cooking line, equipment costs are lower than at many quick-service concepts, but the build-out still includes plumbing, electrical, flooring, counters, finishes and signage.
Why it matters for the loan. Leasehold improvements have little resale value to a lender, while equipment holds some. Financing equipment separately is one way to match each asset to a suitable structure.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Robeks says many franchisees open multiple locations, and its pricing rewards growth: the royalty drops to 6.5% at a second store and 6% at three or more, and a three-store commitment carries a combined $60,000 fee.
Financing a second or third store. Once the first store has operating history, lenders can consider its cash flow alongside the projections for the next one. Each new store usually has its own loan, sized to its build-out and lease, while the lender looks at the owner’s combined debt.
Development schedules. A multi-unit commitment typically sets opening dates for each store, so plan financing and sites for later stores early. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing explains how lenders approach these plans.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner opening near a grocery anchor. A former retail manager meets Robeks’ liquidity requirement, signs a lease in a grocery-anchored center and uses an SBA 7(a) loan to cover the build-out, equipment and opening funds. The lender asks for a monthly projection at the 7% first-store royalty and a reserve for the ramp-up.
A buyer purchasing an established store. A buyer acquires an existing Robeks store from an owner who is relocating. The lender underwrites the store’s tax returns and sales reports, confirms the remaining lease term and approves a loan once the franchisor approves the transfer. Our page on franchise restaurant acquisition financing covers this type of deal.
A veteran committing to three stores. A veteran-owned group signs a three-store agreement and finances the first store with an SBA 7(a) loan. As that store builds history, the group applies for financing on the second, where the lower royalty tier improves projected cash flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budgeting from a cost table that does not match the Item 7 in the FDD you received
- Applying the wrong royalty tier in projections
- Ignoring seasonality and weather when sizing working capital
- Signing a lease that ends before the loan matures
- Spending all liquid capital on the equity injection and leaving no reserve
- Overlooking upcoming equipment or design updates when buying an existing store
For more pitfalls, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Robeks Franchise
Step 1: Confirm you meet the requirements. Check your liquid capital and net worth against Robeks’ published thresholds for one store or three.
Step 2: Request and review the FDD. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Talk with a financing specialist early. Learn how SBA and conventional lenders will size your loan before you commit to a site.
Step 4: Secure a site. Work through the franchisor’s site criteria and negotiate a lease with a term that supports your financing.
Step 5: Build your projections. Use the site’s trade area, the correct royalty tier, seasonality and a realistic ramp-up period.
Step 6: Apply for financing. Submit your personal financial statement, tax returns, resume, projections, lease and franchise documents.
Step 7: Close and open. Coordinate the loan closing with construction, training and the opening date.
Robeks Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does it cost to open a Robeks franchise?
The franchisor’s website reports a total initial investment of $299,050 to $538,500 from its 2026 FDD. The actual figure depends on the site, build-out, rent and how much equipment is leased or bought.
What is the Robeks franchise fee?
The franchise site lists $30,000 for a single store, $20,000 for qualifying veterans and $60,000 combined for a three-store commitment.
What royalty does Robeks charge?
According to the franchise site, 7% of net sales for the first location, 6.5% for a second and 6% for three or more. Check Item 6 of the current FDD for the marketing fund rate and other fees.
How much liquid capital do I need?
Robeks lists at least $149,000 of liquid capital and $375,000 of net worth for one store, and $375,000 liquid and $875,000 net worth for three stores.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Robeks franchise?
Yes, if you qualify. Robeks is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under identifier S1438 with no additional note, so SBA 7(a) loans are generally available, subject to lender approval.
Does Robeks offer financing?
Robeks says it does not offer direct financing but connects franchisees with lenders. Review Item 10 of the current FDD to confirm.
Can I buy an existing Robeks store?
Yes, with franchisor approval. Lenders can underwrite the store’s actual results, and the buyer must meet Robeks’ requirements and transfer conditions.
Can a first-time business owner get a Robeks franchise loan?
Yes. First-time owners often use SBA 7(a) financing. Relevant management experience, the franchisor’s training and adequate reserves strengthen the request.
Does the Robeks FDD include financial performance information?
Yes. The company references Item 19 of its FDD. Review it with your accountant and rely on documented assumptions in your projections.
What documents do I need for a Robeks franchise loan?
Expect to provide a personal financial statement, tax returns, a resume, a business plan with projections, the FDD and franchise agreement, a lease or letter of intent, and proof of your equity injection.
Can I open more than one Robeks?
Yes. A three-store commitment carries a combined $60,000 fee, the Legacy Agreement offers discounted multi-unit fees and additional stores get a lower royalty tier. Each store is usually financed as it opens.
Final Thoughts
A Robeks store is compact and cook-free, which keeps the investment lower than many restaurant franchises, but the build-out, rent and seasonal sales still decide how a loan performs. Buyers who use the current FDD, model the right royalty tier and keep a real working capital reserve put themselves in the best position with lenders.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance new stores, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
