Tropical Smoothie Cafe promotes SVP to COO

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has promoted former SVP of Operations Richard Key to chief operations officer.

"Over the past three years, Richard and his team have provided outstanding support and training for our growing franchisee community during one of the most dynamic times in Tropical Smoothie Cafe history," Charles Watson, CEO, said in a company press release. "His experience and leadership have been foundational in our franchisees' success. This well-deserved promotion will benefit our entire system."

Key, who has served on the brand's senior leadership team since joining the company in 2018, has 20 years of franchise operations experience with TCBY, Carvel, Moe's Southwest Grill and Papa Murphy's International, where he was a division vice president responsible for field operations and marketing for 800 locations. During his tenure at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the brand has grown to 1,000 restaurants and is on track to reach 1,500 by the end of 2024.

"Our top focus at Tropical Smoothie Cafe is to make sure that we not only provide a best-in-class guest experience, but also equip our franchisees to be the most successful in the industry," Key said. "Three years ago, I began developing great relationships with our franchise community while implementing systems to support our record-breaking growth. I look forward to expanding my role with key projects and initiatives in the future and as we continue to grow."