Opening a fresh juice and smoothie bar can be a rewarding business venture for entrepreneurs who care about health, wellness, and serving quality beverages. For those who prefer a tried-and-true business model rather than building from scratch, franchising offers a helpful path forward. Freshly Squeezed is one such franchise opportunity in Canada that aims to deliver freshly made juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks. For prospective franchisees, understanding the expected investment and what the business involves is an essential first step. This article provides a simple overview of what you might expect when investing in a Freshly Squeezed franchise.

Franchise Investment Range

To open a Freshly Squeezed location, the estimated total investment ranges between $200,000 to $350,000 CAD. This investment is intended to cover all the start-up costs needed to get a fully functional juice/smoothie bar up and running under the Freshly Squeezed brand. The exact cost within this range will depend on factors such as the size of the shop, the complexity of the build-out, and the amount of initial inventory and equipment required.

What the Investment Covers

The initial investment goes toward preparing and outfitting the retail space to meet brand standards. This includes renovations or leasehold improvements such as flooring, lighting, walls, counters, display areas, seating (if included), and décor to create a welcoming environment for customers. It also includes the purchase of specialized equipment needed to prepare juices and smoothies — blenders, juicers, refrigeration units for fresh produce, storage space for ingredients, display cases, point-of-sale systems, and sanitary facility setup.

In addition to physical setup, part of the investment covers initial inventory and supplies — fresh produce, cups, lids, straws, napkins, cleaning supplies, and packaging for take-out orders. The investment also accounts for initial working capital to cover food and supply orders until the business reaches a steady operating rhythm.

Training, Support and Business Model

One of the main advantages of choosing a Freshly Squeezed franchise is that franchisor support and systems are designed to guide new owners, including those without prior food business experience. Franchisees receive training in food preparation standards, safe handling of fresh produce, customer service, operations management, hygiene and cleanliness, as well as inventory ordering and stock management. This support helps ensure that the business launches smoothly and operates with consistent quality.

The business model focuses on offering fresh, healthy beverages and quick-service snacks to customers who value convenience and nutrition. By providing freshly prepared juices and smoothies, the franchise seeks to attract health-conscious individuals, busy professionals, families, and anyone looking for a refreshing, nutritious alternative to fast food. The simplicity of the menu — primarily drinks and light fare — can make operations more manageable than full-service restaurants.

Factors That Influence Costs and Success

The final cost and long-term success of a Freshly Squeezed franchise depend on several factors. Location plays a major role: a shop in a high-traffic area such as a shopping mall, business district, or near fitness centers could attract more customers, though lease and build-out costs may be higher. The size and layout of the shop also matter — smaller kiosks or take-away counters may require less initial investment, while larger spaces with seating and more equipment will trend toward the higher end of the investment range.

Inventory management and produce freshness are essential for quality and customer satisfaction. Because juices and smoothies rely on fresh ingredients, you’ll need to manage supplies carefully to minimize waste and ensure consistent product quality. Staffing and hygiene standards also play a key role — you’ll need reliable employees trained in food safety, preparation, and customer service.

Moreover, attracting and retaining customers requires marketing, good visibility, and understanding customer preferences in your area. Repeat business depends on service quality, consistency, and the ability to offer fresh, appealing products.

What to Expect After Opening

Once up and running, your Freshly Squeezed franchise will generate revenue primarily from sales of juices, smoothies, and related healthy snacks or light meals. The business has potential for repeat customers — people who want healthy, quick, and convenient drinks or snacks regularly. With lean operations and efficient supply management, the business can be manageable and profitable.

However, profitability depends heavily on location, customer traffic, consistent quality, and good cost control. As with any food-service business, care must be taken to manage perishable inventory, control overhead costs, and ensure strong customer service to build loyalty and steady demand.

Summary

For entrepreneurs in Canada interested in entering the healthy beverage and quick-service food market, Freshly Squeezed offers a practical and structured franchise opportunity. With a total investment ranging from $200,000 to $350,000 CAD, a future franchisee can establish a fully equipped juice and smoothie bar, complete with equipment, initial stock, store fit-out, and operational support. The brand’s focus on fresh, healthy offerings and convenience can appeal to a wide customer base. While success will depend on thoughtful location choice, efficient operations, quality control, and consistent service, Freshly Squeezed presents a viable path for someone ready to invest time, capital, and commitment into building a health-oriented business.