Kahala Scoops Up Maui Wowi

Kahala Brands has acquired Maui Wowi, giving the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based franchisor its fourth smoothie brand. Terms of the deal, which expands Kahala’s smoothie footprint to more than 800 locations, were not disclosed.

Denver-based Maui Wowi serves coffee and smoothies from 400 mobile carts and 29 standalone units and has 200 franchisees. Kahala operates smoothie chains NrGize Lifestyle Café, Surf City Squeeze and Planet Smoothie as well as 13 other brands.

“Maui Wowi is a perfect addition to our family of smoothie brands and our portfolio of concepts as a whole,” stated Kahala CEO Michael Serruya.

Maui Wowi was founded in Salt Lake City in 1982 and began franchising in 1997. Kahala will consolidate Maui Wowi’s corporate operations and run the franchising platform from its Scottsdale headquarters. The company now has 17 quick-service brands with about 2,700 locations, including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, Taco Time, Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill, The Great Steak & Potato Company, Frullati Café & Bakery, Rollerz, Ranch One, America’s Taco Shop, Johnnie’s New York Pizzeria and Cereality.