Smoothie franchise opportunities
Protein Bar & Kitchen has been blending high-protein smoothies and shakes since 2009. We're now awarding franchises in select U.S. markets.
Americans are actively trying to consume more protein than ever, and the protein shake category is projected to more than double — from $10.8B in 2025 to a projected $23.5B by 2035. Smoothies and shakes are no longer a gym-side niche; they're a mainstream eating habit across breakfast, lunch, and snacking.
That demand is exactly what Protein Bar & Kitchen was built for. If you're evaluating smoothie franchise opportunities, the question isn't whether the category is growing — it's which brand is positioned to own protein for the next decade.
The Protein Promise
Four commitments that separate Protein Bar & Kitchen from smoothie-only and juice-bar concepts.
We opened in Chicago in 2009 to serve fast fuel: shakes that were delicious, nutritious, and packed with protein. While other brands are retrofitting protein onto their menus, it has been our foundation for over 15 years.
Every shake and smoothie is made to order with real protein numbers and flavors guests come back for — not a syrup-and-ice machine behind the counter.
The same kitchen turns out protein shakes, açaí and smoothie bowls, breakfast burritos, bowls, salads, and wraps — so a PBK stays busy from 7am through dinner, in-store, digital, and catering.
A minimal equipment package with no open-flame cooking and every menu item assembled in under 180 seconds — an operating model that is easier on you and your team.
The numbers
Straightforward, disclosed figures — no guesswork.
Figures as disclosed in Item 7 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Your actual costs will vary based on space size and condition, lease terms, and local construction costs.
See the full investment breakdown →Average annual Gross Sales for the fiscal year 2025 (December 30, 2024 – December 27, 2025) of the 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in the Data Set disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All 5 are Traditional Locations owned and operated by our affiliate in and around Chicago, Illinois; no franchised locations are included because all 3 franchised locations operating at the end of the period were Non-Traditional Locations. 3 of the 5 attained or exceeded this figure. Adjusted EBITDAR is stated after deducting an additional 8% (6% royalty and 2% Brand Fund) that these locations would have paid if franchised. Some Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. Certain states require registration of a franchise offering before the franchise is offered and sold in that state. If you are a resident of one of these states, or wish to operate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only. Please see Item 19 of our current Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.
Questions
The estimated initial investment for a Traditional Protein Bar & Kitchen location ranges from $369,500 – $685,000, which includes the $40,000 initial franchise fee. Your actual costs will vary based on space size and condition, lease terms, and local construction costs.
PBK was founded in 2009 as a protein shake concept — protein has been the foundation of the menu from day one, not a trend added later. And unlike smoothie-only concepts, a PBK kitchen also serves bowls, burritos, salads, wraps, and a full breakfast menu, so your revenue doesn't depend on one beverage daypart.
Restaurant experience is preferred, but the core requirements are a passion for hospitality and a desire to bring a better-for-you restaurant option to your community. We look for operators with access to liquid capital and a hands-on approach to running their business.
A Traditional Location is 1,250 – 1,700 sq ft, inline or endcap, with a minimal equipment package — no open-flame cooking — serving in-store guests, digital and delivery orders, and corporate catering from one kitchen.
Submit the request-information form on this page or visit our application page. A member of our franchise development team responds within two business days, confirms territory availability, and schedules an introductory call before delivering the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Request information
Tell us about yourself and why you're interested in PBK. A member of our franchise development team responds within two business days.
Prefer to go straight to the application? Request franchise information here.
