GNC Franchisee Serves Up New Idea for Successful Business Initiative <b></b>

Pittsburgh-While some franchisors may think that allgreat ideas start at company headquarters, General NutritionCompanies credits Alabama franchisee Michael Taylor with helping tofinalize development of one of its major business initiatives in2002-the GNC Smoothie Bar concept. The company expects to open asmany as 300 smoothie bars next year as branded elements of itscompany-owned and franchised stores.

Taylor, franchisee of three GNC stores in Alabama, noticed thepopularity of smoothie chains in his area and began researching theconcept. After receiving permission from GNC, he bought a blender,began developing recipes and started selling smoothes in 1999. Toaccommodate the smoothie bar, Taylor moved his GNC franchise from a900- to 1,800-square-foot location and saw sales jump 35percent.

Today Taylor sells more than 400 smoothies a week. That numberdoubles in the summer. -Miller DeMartine Group