Surfs up for Bahama Buck’s, the nation’s premier tropical dessert franchise featuring 91 flavors of the “greatest snow on earth” as well as their famous blended tropical smoothies and fresh fruit cups. The Lubbock, Texas-based “Original Shaved Ice” concept is shredding through its most aggressive growth phase in the company’s 17-year history. The surf-themed franchise company has grown to 26 units, expanding more than 60 percent from 2005-2007. Further, the brand’s development pipeline is gushing.
“We are at an exciting point in the company’s life,” said Blake Buchanan, founder and president of Bahama Bucks. “Our customers are coming back five and six times a week because they know they can get the sweets they want with our snow products that come without the crazy calories of other heavy, frozen desserts. Consumer demand is driving the concept’s unprecedented rate of growth.”
Recognizing that the concept is on the cusp of nationwide notoriety, Buchanan and Eric Lee, chief financial officer, have made the strategic decision to partner with The Findley Group, the nation’s premier franchise sales and consulting firm. Gary Findley, whose name has become synonymous with franchising since leading Curves from three to 8,000 units from 1996 until retirement in 2004, heads the firm’s experienced staff. Together, Bahama Buck’s and The Findley Group plan to grow the concept further in its existing markets, Texas and Arizona, and beyond.
“I have seen what it takes to burst onto the franchising scene and Bahama Bucks has it,” Findley said. “Bahama Buck’s highly distinctive product offering, its strong internal systems and its leaders’ relentless passion for success are all pointing the company toward becoming a household name nationwide.”
Bahama Buck’s will open nine new locations before the end of 2007, including the company’s first unit in New Mexico. Openings in 2008 also include four additional locations to open in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and five in the Phoenix market.
“We are having a blast at Bahama Buck’s and it shows at our stores. Everything is about having a good time,” said Buchanan. “From our shaved ice to the surfboards on the walls and the laid back environment, we aim to be the place where people can kick back and eat dessert, guilt free.”
For customers, the chain’s locations are tropical getaways with surf-themed décor, palm trees, thatch and bamboo appointments and island inspired music. Bahama Buck’s three different types of locations, strip center in-line stores with seating, full-size stand alone with seating for 35, and stand alone with no indoor seating, feature a combination of walk-up window service, drive-thru service and outdoor seating.
Destiny for Dessert Lovers
The popularity of Bahama Buck’s has reached a feverish level as an increasing number of consumers are appreciating the brand’s 91 creative taste selections with low or zero calories, no fat and no cholesterol. The chain’s 16 flavors of Thin Ice™ contain no calories. Further, the chain’s Super Sour flavors have become kid favorites.