Vitaligent

Vitaligent operates as a significant holding company and franchisee within the restaurant industry, specifically focusing on the health and wellness sector. Established in 2015, the company's business model is centered on owning and managing a large portfolio of Jamba Juice stores across the United States. Its revenue is generated directly from the sales of smoothies, fresh juices, and other healthy food options to consumers at its various retail locations. The company serves a broad client base of health-conscious individuals seeking convenient and nutritious meal and beverage choices.

The company was founded through a major refranchising agreement with Jamba, Inc. The leadership team included David A. Peacock, the former president of Anheuser-Busch, and Dean VandeKamp, a former partner at Ernst & Young, who brought extensive management and financial expertise to the venture. This strategic formation was part of Jamba's move toward an asset-light business model. Vitaligent's journey began with an ambitious asset purchase agreement to refranchise 100 company-owned Jamba restaurants in key California markets, a deal valued at $36 million. This was followed by a transaction for 73 stores in the San Jose and Sacramento markets for $25 million in cash.

Over the years, Vitaligent continued to expand its footprint. In April 2017, a growth agreement with Jamba, Inc. included the acquisition of 21 stores from a different franchisee and a commitment to develop 12 new locations in the Seattle market. This deal expanded Vitaligent's operations to over 100 stores across California, Missouri, and Washington. To improve operational efficiency across its large network, Vitaligent partnered with technology firm Plate IQ in 2018 to automate its accounts payable processes, enhancing cash management and providing detailed spend analysis. The company's trajectory as an independent entity concluded in February 2022 when it was acquired by Sizzling Platter, another large restaurant franchisee.

Keywords: Jamba franchisee, restaurant holding company, smoothie chain operator, quick-service restaurants, health and wellness food, David A. Peacock, Dean VandeKamp, Sizzling Platter, Jamba refranchising, fresh juices, healthy meal options, multi-unit franchisee, restaurant operations, food and beverage retail, Anheuser-Busch alumni, California, Missouri, Washington, Plate IQ partnership, asset purchase agreement