playnext.fm

QSR Uncut

The Rise and Potential of 3Natives, with CEO Anthony Bambino

·36 min·3 clips
Anthony Bambino explains how a lack of healthy food in Florida led him to start Three Natives in 2013.
Host Danny Klein interviews Anthony Bambino, founder and CEO of Three Natives Acai and Juicery. Bambino started the brand in 2013 after noticing a lack of healthy options in South Florida compared to Southern California. The brand has grown to about 50 units, with 90% in Florida. Initially, the menu focused on acai bowls, juices, and smoothies, but Bambino added wraps like buffalo chicken to attract male customers who called the original offerings 'bird food'. Early days involved high sales but operational struggles, including managing costs and labor. Bambino stresses that customer service is essential for buying time to achieve profitability, referencing Starbucks' recent issues. He discusses franchising, starting cautiously after a problematic first franchisee who didn't read the Franchise Disclosure Document. Growth is now focused on Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, with some outliers in New York and Phoenix. Three Natives operates stores of 1,000-1,400 square feet, with a high percentage of to-go orders. Bambino targets single and multi-unit operators, emphasizing cultural fit. As CEO, he is learning to delegate and advocate for the brand rather than micromanage. The episode concludes with information on how to learn more about franchising through threenatives.com or social media.

As heard by us

A mostly Florida acai brand considers careful franchise growth through the small gestures that keep hospitality personal.

QSR Uncut's conversation with Anthony Bambino tracks Three Natives from a South Florida founder's answer to limited healthy food options into an about 50-unit brand that remains mostly rooted in Florida.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a Florida-born growth story where an acai bowl lid carries a surprisingly serious hospitality lesson.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from QSR Uncut