WASHINGTON, DC -- (Marketwire) -- 01/29/13 -- The nation's premium healthy smoothie and juice bar franchise, Robeks, plans to expand its footprint in the Washington, D.C., area.

The smoothie franchise's first store opened in Washington in 2004, and the brand expanded into surrounding areas before the recession hit in 2007. Robeks stopped growing to focus on helping franchise owners cope. A series of menu innovations helped boost revenue throughout 2012, with same-store sales growing every month. With the economy also growing again, Robeks is ready to resume its growth.

"Robeks is a perfect fit for Washington, D.C. and its suburbs," said Adam Perel, regional director for Robeks. "It's one of the most affluent markets in the country, a place where consumers tend to be both health-conscious and busy -- which perfectly matches Robeks' quick, healthy, portable meal options."

Perel, who opened the first Robeks store in Washington, said the brightening economic picture is good news for potential franchisees: The Bureau of Labor Services reports that unemployment in the D.C. metro area fell to 5.1 percent in October, down from 5.7 percent a year earlier and among the lowest rates in the nation; and real estate website Zillow says that housing prices in Washington are up 9.1 percent compared to last year.

Los Angeles-based Robeks offers entrepreneurs a business model that matches several emerging trends in the food industry. Millions of Americans are responding to the nation's obesity and other health crises by adopting more natural diets that substitute fruits and vegetables for processed food. Nationwide smoothie sales nearly doubled from 2007 to 2011, reaching $2.4 billion, and sales are continuing to grow.

Robeks' smoothies and juices use naturally ripened fruits and vegetables with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. The menu also features many low-calorie options.

"Robeks makes it easy to grab a fast, healthy meal," said Robeks CEO Steve Davidson. "Our smoothies and juices don't just taste good -- they are good."

To learn more about opening a Robeks franchise, visit www.RobeksFranchise.com.

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