MAUI WOWI® COFFEE AND SMOOTHIE FRANCHISE HISTORY
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1982
Jeff and Jill Summerhays founded Maui Wowi® to provide their ‘ohana (family) with a healthy beverage alternative to the sugar and fat laden snacks available at events, festivals, and fairs. Plus, the Summerhayses just wanted to enjoy life. They created a business model that was fun, flexible, and mobile so they had the ability to offer their all-natural, fresh fruit smoothies anywhere the road would take them.
1997
Michael Haith, then a food & beverage consultant and seasoned entrepreneur, met the Summerhayses at the Utah Arts Festival. Just one look at how fans raved over Jeff & Jill’s high quality, healthy products was all he needed to see. Mr. Haith brought his savvy business skills to the company, and a Hawaiian smoothie franchise system was born.
2003
Maui Wowi® added an exclusive line of Kona espresso and cappuccino drinks as well as a gourmet line of blended coffees from Maui, Kona, Kauai, and Molokai. Our specialty Hawaiian coffee beans are carefully handpicked from selected coffee plantations and family-owned farms that best represent the rugged and bold attributes, as well as the sheer beauty and elegance, of Hawaii.
2004
Maui Wowi® goes global. Maui Wowi®‘s fresh fruit smoothies and premium Hawaiian coffees transcend borders and have become a worldwide favorite! We work with international partners all over the world to bring the Aloha Spirit to new and exciting countries!
2008
400th Unit. Even in the clutches of a recession, Maui Wowi® prevailed; opening our 400th Hawaiian coffee & smoothies franchise and proving that paradise is here to stay!
2012
30 million smoothies sold! We make a whole lot of smoothies but who ever thought we’d make over 30 million?! All that blending and all those happy customers! Now, how many ice cubes does that bring us to…?
2014
Updated Ka’anapali Cart creating a new and improved mobile franchise opportunity! Maui Wowi®’s most popular and affordable mobile business model, the Ka’anapali Cart, got a makeover that dazzles. From its fresh new look, bright colors, and cool signage, the Ka’anapali Cart pops!
2015
We expanded our ‘ohana even more when Maui Wowi® was acquired by Kahala Brands in Scottsdale, Arizona, which owns over 28 quick-service restaurant brands with approximately 2,900 locations in 28 countries.
“It’s ‘ohana; we are just one big family. It’s all of us. It’s not just what we do in San Diego, but what all franchisees are doing…we all just help each other out. The culture is great, the Aloha Spirit just goes all the way around.”
Ron Putman
– Franchise Owner | San Diego, California