Tropical Smoothie Cafe looks to grow in Charlotte

Following the opening of its first local franchise last year in the Metropolitan shopping center, Tropical Smoothie Café said it's looking to add 15 more stores in Charlotte.

Tropical Smoothie Café said it is seeking franchisees to open more of its restaurants in and around Charlotte, as well as locations in Asheville and Hickory.

"Demand for healthier, convenient food is too high here and our restaurants in neighboring markets are too strong for us not to have a larger footprint in Charlotte," said chief executive Mike Rotondo, in a statement.

The number of projected stores for the Charlotte region is similar to Tropical Smoothie Café's announced expansion plans in other markets. The company said last year it wants to open 15 restaurants in Alabama, 20 in Houston and 10 in Raleigh.

Tropical Smoothie Café operates 365 stores, and plans to open more than 50 new locations nationwide this year.

The current Charlotte location is owned by former Panthers player Everette Brown.