New York City — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a 40-unit franchise development deal across New York and Connecticut with franchisee Aurify Kingstar. The first location is planned to open in early 2027. With more than 1,750 cafes and an active development pipeline, the brand is on track to open its 1,800th location by the end of 2026.
The 40-unit deal will expand Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s footprint across Albany, Westchester County and the Bronx, as well as western Connecticut.
Aurify Kingstar (AKS) is a multi-brand restaurant investment and operating company with more than 25 years of experience building and operating restaurant concepts. Co-founded by John Rigos and Andy Stern, AKS has developed, operated or acquired over 300 restaurants, including franchise brands like Five Guys and Wingstop.