ATLANTA, GA (StLouisRestaurantReview) Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual cafe franchise known for both its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, recently celebrated top performers during its annual franchisee awards ceremony.

The virtual celebration recognized the brand’s leading franchisees and their respective crew members who delivered an extraordinary performance with recording-breaking results in 2020. Among those recognized were Mike Philip and Rafik Fouad, named the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Multi-Unit and Single-Unit Franchisees of the Year, respectively, for their exceptional results and commitment to supporting the Tropical Smoothie Cafe brand.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe celebrated more than 250 franchisees and their cafes during the awards ceremony. Along with recognizing successes across sales, operations, marketing, and technology, the company also introduced five new awards honoring the franchisees who best represent the system’s core values and vision.

“We were thrilled to recognize the incredible, dedicated franchisees who are the faces of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe brand. The success we saw in 2020, including more $1million AUV cafes than ever before, was nothing short of amazing given all the challenges we faced,” said Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “I am humbled to see the excitement of franchisees across the country as we celebrate and congratulate one another on our record-breaking year. Tropical Smoothie Cafe and its culture are stronger than ever because of the perseverance and passion that our franchise community has for this brand.”

The additional 2020 award categories and recipients are as follows:

Local Store Marketing– DYNE Hospitality Group, Glen Johnson and Nick Crouch; Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas
Brand Promise – Bill and Julie Munson; Ohio
Guest Experience – Ray, Joy, and Andrew Howell; Florida
Developer of the Year – Roma and Suresh Patel; Ohio
Emerging Leader – Toya Evans; Maryland
Difference Maker – DYNE Hospitality Group, Glen Johnson and Nick Crouch; Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas
Single-Unit Manager of the Year – Julius Dulce; Virginia
Multi-Unit Manager of the Year – Jessica Milliken; Michigan
Rookie of the Year #1 – Dave and Nancy Chapman; Florida
Rookie of the Year #2 – Marlon Sullivan and Cesar Coronado; Illinois
Single-Unit Franchisee of the Year – Rafik Fouad; Maryland
Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year – Mike Philip; Arkansas
Relationships Rule – Mike Haines; Georgia
Think Bigger – Howard Raphael; North Carolina
All In – Dax Soni; South Carolina
High Five – Clement Troutman; Maryland
Inspire Better – Salem Najjar; Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin

The only St Louis Tropical Smoothie Cafe in St. Louis is located at 159 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105.