Does Jersey Mikes consider Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants to be direct competitors?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants are generally not considered to be Company's direct competitors given the principal food or beverage products they sell under their own respective trademarks and proprietary recipes and formulas. However, there is some overlap with the products and services offered by Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants given that they currently sell a limited line of sandwiches and fountain beverage products. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants may solicit and accept orders from customers near your Restaurant. Company will have no obligation to resolve any perceived conflicts that might arise between Company's franchise system and this franchise system regarding territory, customers, or support. TSC maintains offices and training facilities that are physically separate from Company's offices and training facilities.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 51–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Jersey Mike's generally does not consider Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants to be direct competitors. This is based on the principal food and beverage products that Tropical Smoothie Cafe sells under their own trademarks and proprietary recipes. However, Jersey Mike's acknowledges that there is some overlap in products and services because Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants sell a limited line of sandwiches and fountain beverage products.
Even though Jersey Mike's does not consider Tropical Smoothie Cafe a direct competitor, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Restaurants may still solicit and accept orders from customers near a Jersey Mike's Restaurant. Jersey Mike's is under no obligation to resolve any conflicts that might arise between their franchise system and Tropical Smoothie Cafe's franchise system regarding territory, customers, or support. Furthermore, Tropical Smoothie Cafe maintains offices and training facilities that are physically separate from Jersey Mike's offices and training facilities.
This distinction is important for prospective franchisees because it clarifies the competitive landscape. While Tropical Smoothie Cafe may not be considered a direct competitor, their presence and ability to serve customers in the same area could still impact a franchisee's business. It also highlights that Jersey Mike's will not intervene in disputes between the two franchise systems, meaning franchisees must be prepared to compete independently.