Smoothie King Names VP of Franchise Development

The Dallas-based Smoothie King has picked up franchise industry veteran Shawn Caric to serve as vice president of franchise development as the brand works toward “aggressive” long-term growth.

Before joining the chain, Caric served as vice president of franchise development for Qdoba Mexican Eats where he directed the 740-unit brand’s expansion. Prior to that role, he spent more than 11 years with Dunkin’ Brands, serving first as franchising manager and then as director of development for the Midwest.

In his new role with Smoothie King, he will help support the brand’s long-term growth plans to attract 70 new franchisees and sign 200 store commitments in 2022.

“Shawn is highly-skilled with decades of successful franchise experience under his belt, which makes him well-equipped for the responsibilities he is taking on. Highly regarded in his respective field, I have the utmost confidence in his ability to succeed in his new role at Smoothie King,” says Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King, in a press release.

The company says its focus this year is to continue ramping up unit-level economics and system-wide growth through the introduction of new consumer-facing technology, product lines and tools for franchisee success.

Smoothie King was founded in 1973 and has more than 1,300 locations.